Teacher Toolbox
The Teacher Toolbox resources are designed to support educators in a wide range of learning environments. New to our materials?—Start here! Spread the love
Overview
Our Just Mercy curriculum guide grounds students in the historical context of US racial segregation and the Civil Rights movement. It’s a powerful tool for teaching about Criminal Justice, Media Literacy, the US Court System, and US History.
Just Mercy has been recognized for the way the film expands our circle of empathy. Read the full Stanford study.
Teaching Tips
The Just Mercy Curriculum Guide and Student Learning Guide can be used with clips from the film or even film references rather than showing the entire film.
Literary Connections
Our curriculum guide for Just Mercy and the film itself pair well with Bryan Stevenson’s memoir which inspired the film, Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption. It is also available in a version adapted for young adults, Just Mercy: A True Story of the Fight for Justice.
Some educators combine this film and our film guide with To Kill A Mockingbird.
- Type: Narrative Feature Film
- Lesson Grades: 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, College
- Rating: PG-13
- Ages: 13–17, 18–24, 25+
- Run time: 120 or longer
Where to Watch
Watch it on Amazon and other streaming platforms. Or buy the Blu-ray or DVD.
Curriculum Guide
-
Lesson 1 The “Nadir of Black History”
Subject: History, U.S. History
Lesson Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
-
Lesson 2 The Case of Walter McMillian
Subject: English Language Arts, Film Literacy, Language Arts, Media Literacy
Lesson Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
-
Lesson 3 A Long Path to Justice
Subject: Government, History, U.S. History
Lesson Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
-
Lesson 4 Wrongful Convictions in Our Justice System
Subject: Civics, Government, U.S. History
Lesson Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Student Packet
We created an Independent Student Learning packet for this film as the resources released in 2020 and was designed to support distance learning.
Group Discussion Facilitation Guidelines
These tips can help you create safe space for classroom engagement on the themes and subjects of this film.
Glossary of Film Terms
The Glossary of Film Terms is useful for the Film Literacy lessons that are part of this curriculum guide.
Sustainable Development Goals
Journeys in Film supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Learn more about teaching with UN SDGs. This resource connects to the following SDGs.You may also like...
Black History Lessons
This collection includes resources for teaching US Black History and Global Black History. We recommend the US Black History resources for Civics, Government, and...
Windows and Mirrors
This activity encourages learners to engage with a balanced variety of text and media perspectives. The activity also builds belonging and class community by...
Hidden Figures
We are pleased to offer an easy-to-use Discussion Guide and a classroom-ready Curriculum Guide for Disney’s Hidden Figures. Literary Connection For a film-book pairing, teach...
Summer of Soul
Engage students through music with Oscar-winning documentary film Summer of Soul (…Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised). Literary Connection For a film-book pairing,...
The Dhamma Brothers
This guide for The Dhamma Brothers features resources on meditation and the brain, including an experiential lesson for beginning meditation. The lessons can be...
Join Our Community
Receive the latest updates on new educational resources, upcoming films, and exclusive insights into how film can transform teaching and learning.
No spam. Just free teaching resources. We do not share or sell your data. View Privacy Policy