Ask the Justices

This inquiry-based worksheet supports students in Grades 5 and 6 as they practice critical thinking, civic reasoning, perspective-taking, and thoughtful question writing through the study of the Dred Scott Supreme Court case. By crafting original questions for the justices, students examine judicial reasoning, constitutional interpretation, and issues of fairness and citizenship in a meaningful, age-appropriate way.

Learning Goals

• Judicial Reasoning (Grades 5-6) – Explore how Supreme Court justices interpret the Constitution and legal rights.
• Civic Awareness – Develop understanding of the Supreme Court’s role in shaping U.S. history and law.
• Critical Inquiry – Write thoughtful questions that probe reasoning, consequences, and ethical considerations.
• Perspective-Taking – Consider multiple viewpoints surrounding historical legal decisions.

Instructional Benefits

• Teacher-Created Resource – Designed by educators to align with upper elementary civics, social studies, and writing standards.
• Open-Ended Question Format – Encourages curiosity, analysis, and higher-order thinking.
• Supports Discussion – Ideal for class conversations, debates, or reflective writing activities.
• Flexible Use – Works well for independent practice, enrichment, or assessment of civic understanding.

This printable worksheet helps students deepen civic understanding and critical thinking by encouraging them to question how and why landmark Supreme Court decisions were made. By focusing on fairness, citizenship, and constitutional interpretation, learners build empathy and insight into the complexities of judicial decision-making. It’s a thoughtful, no-prep resource that fits well in both classroom instruction and homeschool learning while promoting meaningful civic engagement.

This worksheet is part of our Dred Scott Decision collection.