The Ohio State Bar Association unveiled a video this week that aims to educate school-aged audiences about the judicial system.

“Going to Court” follows an animated character who explores the third branch of government and some of the differences between the state and federal court systems.

The OSBA is not alone in producing kid-friendly resources to engage students in learning about civics.

• The National Center for State Courts developed a series of graphic novels, called “Justice Case Files,” which engage the reader while giving insight into how judges make decisions, how the courts protect the public, and why courts are so important to a democratic society.
• The iCivics initiative, founded by former U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, hopes to reverse Americans’ declining civic knowledge and participation by creating free and innovative educational materials such as educational video games.
• The Visitor Education Center at the Ohio Supreme Court offers students grades fourth and above an inside look at Ohio courts and the workings and history of the judicial system through interactive exhibits and videos.

Jay Wuebbold, manager of the civic education programs at the Ohio Supreme Court, applauded the OSBA’s efforts in what is often a tricky endeavor.

“When it comes to video, graphics and storytelling, young people are so intuitive. In the blink of an eye, they know what’s engaging, and what’s not,” Wuebbold said. “This is a challenge for all educators, particularly when the subject is as nuanced as how government works.”

Go to http://youtu.be/2ma1eYYiFks to access the “Going to Court” video on OSBA’s YouTube channel.