Former Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor has helped develop a free online computer game for teens that promotes civics. The “Supreme Decision” is the first of several games that are planned. In this game, students role-play the part of a U.S. Supreme Court Clerk. They help a justice with a tie-breaking vote over a First Amendment case. The game was developed to help middle school students learn more about the Constitution and the role of the courts.
Sandra Day O’Connor is not an avid tech user herself and admits that she doesn’t have a Facebook or Twitter account and doesn’t even text. She does recognize that students today do use technology. O’Connor recognizes that students are more likely to learn if they are taught in ways that they like to use. She claims kids spend “40 hours a week, on average, in front of some type of screen." She is famous for having said that more people can name an American Idol judge than the three branches of government.
O’Connor hopes that as a result of this project, students will learn more about civics and develop the skills they need to analyze problems and develop sound arguments. Another game, called "Do I Have a Right," has also been released. In that game, students play the director of a constitutional law firm. They must decide which amendment resolves a problem posed by a client. Check them out at
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