Former Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor has launched iCivics, a new interactive program for students nationwide. The website is offered free of charge to schools and features a series of games geared toward teaching students how the U.S. government works.
"I had become increasingly concerned in recent years about the lack of civics education in our nation's schools," says O'Connor, who was the first woman to sit on the Supreme Court. "In recent years, the schools have stopped teaching it. And it's unfortunate."
O'Connor believes games are the best way to engage students. The iCivics games relate to three branches of government (legislative, executive, judicial) and the Constitution. The program will first be presented to middle school students nationwide, with future expansion into elementary and high schools.
In her recent interview with the NewsHour's Judy Woodruff, O'Connor touches on No Child Left Behind, recent Supreme Court decisions and the addition of two female justices to the Court since her departure.
Quotes
"Half the states no longer make (civics) a requirement to get out of high school. And it's really a remarkable withdrawal from the very purpose we had originally for public schools." --Sandra Day O'Connor
"I went in the courtroom myself and looked at the bench of nine, a woman on the right end, a woman on the left end, and a woman near the middle. It was marvelous to see." --Sandra Day O'Connor
Warm Up Questions
1. What is civics?
2. What are some games that teach topics you might learn about in school?
3. What makes learning fun?
Discussion Questions
1. What do you need to know to become a good citizen?
2. What have you learned from playing games online? Do you think you would enjoy learning about civics through a game? Why or why not?
3. Does the fact that the Supreme Court now has three female judges make a difference to you? Why or why not?
4. How does a Supreme Court justice's background affect her or his interpretation of the law?
Additional Resources
Kagan's Seating Marks Supreme Court Milestone, But Poses Recusal Hurdle
Inside the Supreme Court: Marcia Coyle on NASA Background Checks Case
