Can you bow your head and pray in school? Scholars investigate the issue of school prayer with the Supreme Court case Engel v. Vitale. A short video clip along with paired group work helps viewers form opinions on the matter. They answer the lead questions in the viewing guide while formulating ideas and analysis of what ultimately led to the abolishment of school prayer in the 1960s. 

Concepts

supreme court cases, the supreme court, school rules, prayer

Show More Show Less

Additional Tags

social studies

Show More Show Less

Instructional Ideas

• Preview the lesson with an assigned reading on the Engel v. Vitale case
• Extend the lesson with short additional video clip on the Supreme Court case

Classroom Considerations

• Lesson plans call for instructors to pause the video at a Stop and Think portion
  

Pros

• Video helps visual learners better understand the topic
  
• Detailed plans for teacher use help implement the lesson
  

Cons

• None

Common Core

RH.9-10.1 RH.9-10.2 RH.9-10.3 RH.11-12.1 RH.11-12.2 RH.11-12.3