The following links are provided for educators because they provide lesson plans, engaging learning materials, and even potential capstone project opportunities for Civics and Social Studies classrooms. Oregon, and the Portland Metro area in particular, plays host to a number of non-profit organizations dedicated to legal and rights-focused education. In addition, national non-profits and former members of the Federal Judiciary are actively involved in promoting Civics education and placing the role of the Federal Court in context for students of all ages.

State and Local Resources

The Multnomah Bar Association sponsors an annual youth film competition focused on the interaction of law and society. Themes vary from year to year. To learn more about this year's film contest, visit the Youth Film Project's homepage. Entries are typically due in early March. Entries are debuted and judged in an 'opening night" event at the Hollywood theater in Portland as part of Community Law Week.

The Classroom Law Project is dedicated to bringing Civics to Oregon youth. They run a variety of programs, from mock trial competitions to legal seminars for young adults. Teachers interested in developing Civics curriculum and interactive exercises will find a variety of resources to assist them.

The Oregon State Bar has a small collection of legal resources for youth, including video clips from the LegalLinks cable television program, pamphlets, and resource lines for students interested in learning more about specific topics in state law.

National Resources

Former Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor helped establish OurCourts.org, a civics education resource for middle school students and teachers. The site features games, lesson plans, and content guides for teachers and students interested in learning more about the Constitution, Article III courts, and the system of checks and balances that makes our democracy unique.

The American Bar Association's Division for Public Education is a clearinghouse of primers, lesson plans, and civics education resources for teachers, students, and community organizers.

The Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts has educational materials including Federal Court Basics, and Court Simulations, as well as information on Constitution Day and Citizenship Day.

Last Updated on Wednesday, February 16, 2011