Creator: Pew Forum | visit site
Grade Range: 8 - 11
The United States Constitution is put to the test in the 2004 Elk Grove Unified School District v. Newdow Supreme Court case. This site contains background information and supporting documents that explore the constitutionality of a school district policy requiring teachers to lead students in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. Links are provided to briefs, related articles, and editorials. Give your students an authentic introduction to how constitutional law and case law can affect the public school system. Created by the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life.
In the Classroom
Regardless of the topic picked, this site is an excellent springboard for a class debate. Share the site on an interactive whiteboard or projector, and allow students to examine all the arguments put forth by the court and lobbyists. Once completed, ask students what they think is constitutional. What arguments would they have used? Do they agree with any? An excellent source for any civics, philosophy or social studies class.
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