My students made the news today when they took over the local courthouse. It was all part of one of our authentic projects.
Far more in depth than a simple mock trial project, students ran their own criminal investigation of a fake crime committed on school grounds. They worked with local police, the County Attorney, and a District Judge. Two students were “arrested” and will stood trial at the courthouse. They were prosecuted and defended by a team of peer lawyers in front of a jury of 10th grade American Government students.
Far more in depth than a simple mock trial project, students ran their own criminal investigation of a fake crime committed on school grounds. They worked with local police, the County Attorney, and a District Judge. Two students were “arrested” and will stood trial at the courthouse. They were prosecuted and defended by a team of peer lawyers in front of a jury of 10th grade American Government students.
Teacher Vandalizes Student Art!
On October 6th, I told my students that they were doing a painting project. The students were to create 4x8 foot murals that would go on display in the local Arts and Convention Center. Additional, the local Art's Association was awarding the school a $12,000 grant to do this. The students were broken into small groups and got painting. In one day, they accomplished an amazing amount of work. However, the whole “painting project” was a front for the real project.
That night I, their beloved teacher, spray painted graffiti and other school appropriate vandalism over their murals. The next morning students discovered what had been done. The head of my school, totally in on the project, came in and lead a discussion about what was done. They discussed how it felt being victims of a crime. Then the students were told the true purpose of the project. We emphasized the importance of holding onto the empathetic feelings they might have toward other victims of crimes and to remember to never blame victims for what happens to them.
That night I, their beloved teacher, spray painted graffiti and other school appropriate vandalism over their murals. The next morning students discovered what had been done. The head of my school, totally in on the project, came in and lead a discussion about what was done. They discussed how it felt being victims of a crime. Then the students were told the true purpose of the project. We emphasized the importance of holding onto the empathetic feelings they might have toward other victims of crimes and to remember to never blame victims for what happens to them.
RSS Feed
