What's included
6 live meetings
5 in-class hoursHomework
Students need to print and read the weekly cases and roles before each weekly Session A. Preparation for each case should be completed during class as part of a team.Assessment
InformalClass Experience
Mock Trial Winter Camp 1 is a 3-week camp (6 total meetings) that allows learners to take a hands-on approach to learning about the different roles and responsibilities of the legal system through a range of light-hearted and fun mock court cases such as: Is the Third Little Pig in “The Three Little Pigs” guilty of the demise of the Big Bad Wolf? Is the Grinch from “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” guilty of theft even when he returned everything? Mock trial helps students practice skills such as public speaking, persuasive argument, and critical thinking. Two court cases will be covered each week and take two consecutive class sessions (Part A and Part B) to prepare, argue, resolve, and debrief. All students will participate in both trials, but their roles will switch in each case to ensure that each learner gets to practice the attorney roles as well as the witness or jury roles. The attorney roles will involve analyzing evidence and persuasive speaking. The witness roles will involve public speaking by retelling details as laid out in the case overview. The jury roles will involve using critical thinking skills to evaluate the prosecuting and the defense arguments. No student will take the role of the accused. First meeting of each week, designated as Part A 1. In the first meeting of each week, designated as Part A, both cases will be introduced. 2. Terms and skills for both cases will be taught and/or reviewed. 3. For the first case, learners will be assigned roles - Prosecuting Attorney, Defense Attorney, Witnesses, Jury Member. 4. For the second case, roles will be changed so each student gets to participate in the lead activity of the attorneys and the support activity of either witness or jury member. 5. Students will go into break-out rooms to prepare their argument based on case and attorney role. Second meeting of the week, designated as Part B 1. In the second meeting of the week, designated as Part B, “attorneys” for case 1 will present their arguments with the support of witnesses and jury members for that case. Case 1 may take up to 15 minutes. 2. Then “attorneys” for case 2 will present their case with the support of witnesses and jury members for that case. Case 2 may take up to 15 minutes. 3. Once both cases have been presented, jury members for their respective cases will go into breakout rooms and have 10 minutes to discuss evidence and determine a verdict. 4. Verdicts will be communicated to the teacher through the chat feature. 5. The teacher, in the role of judge, will deliver the verdict for each case. 6. The remaining time will be used to discuss the cases and what students learned. Case schedule: Week 1: Case 1- The Third Little Pig/Case 2 - The Grinch Who Stole Christmas Week 2: Case 1 – Billy Goats Gruff/Case 2 - Goldilocks Week 3: Case 1 - Cinderella/Case 2 - Humpty Dumpty IMPORTANT NOTE – This class requires a minimum of 8 students for optimal learning experience.
Learning Goals
Students will learn about courtroom practices and the legal system. They will practice public speaking, persuasive argument, critical thinking, and role playing. They will practice working in teams and both winning and losing with good sportsmanship.
Other Details
Supply List
A handout with terms and steps in a trial will be available in the classroom. Weekly cases and roles will be posted in the classroom as well.
Language of Instruction
English
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Teacher expertise and credentials
Texas Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education
My name is Tracey DB. I am a licensed teacher and have taught competitive debate & speech, communication, reading, and critical thinking skills to elementary - high school students, in public schools as well as homeschool settings, for over 25 years. This includes debate and public speaking competitions, mock trial, literature analysis, beginning reading, and composition. My Outschool classes include these same areas of study.
Whether your student is in traditional school, homeschooled, or in distance learning - I will make your child feel welcome. I truly believe in the potential of every child. So it is my honor to be entrusted with the responsibility of feeding their hungry minds, fanning their natural curiosity, and partnering with them in their learning journey. I can't wait to meet your learner and embrace our learning adventure together!
Teacher Tracey
Reviews
Live Group Class
$114
for 6 classes2x per week, 3 weeks
50 min
Completed by 11 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 9-12
8-10 learners per class
This class is no longer offered
Financial Assistance
Tutoring
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