As part of our study of the Supreme Court, my students explored landmark cases and examined how these decisions impact their rights and daily lives. To make this learning experience engaging and authentic, we launched the Gavel to Gavel project, where students researched Supreme Court cases that directly affected students and turned their findings into a fully produced podcast series.
The project began with students selecting and researching cases that had shaped student rights. They analyzed the legal reasoning, the Court’s decision, and the broader implications of each ruling. Prior to this experience, a federal judge spoke with the class, providing valuable insights into the judicial process. This same judge also provided a foreword for our podcast, further enhancing the credibility and depth of the project.
After compiling their research, students transformed their findings into podcast scripts, which were then peer-reviewed for clarity, accuracy, and engagement.
Once scripts were finalized, students moved into production, recording their episodes using GarageBand. They learned how to edit audio, incorporate sound design, and enhance their storytelling to create a professional-quality podcast. The final product is an Apple Podcast series that showcases their work, providing an authentic audience for their learning.
This project-based learning opportunity not only deepened students' understanding of Supreme Court decisions but also gave them a meaningful platform to share their insights. Having a real-world audience motivated them to put extra effort into their research, writing, and production.
For educators interested in implementing a similar project, I’ve included detailed directions for all parts of the assignment, from research to recording. Feel free to download and adapt these resources to bring Supreme Court case studies to life in your own classroom!
Give It a Listen on Apple Podcast or Spotify
Apple:
Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/show/0LYpgXtK6OWhsjiWFkjnr2?si=c7ddebb1906040ee
February 28, 2025
What a great civics learning activity and one that provides engaging learning and student voice. Thanks for the detailed instructions and links to the podcasts. I’m going to take a listen!
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