Students learn about the different roles and responsibilities in a court by participating in a mock trial.
Civics Lessons
Grade Level: Grades K-5
Krabbs v. Plankton Mock Trial
The President’s Roles and Responsibilities: Communicating with the President
Through several activities, students learn about the roles and responsibilities of the U.S. president and their own duties as citizens of a democracy
State vs. Jack Robinson Mock Trial
This scripted mock trial includes ideas for pre and post mock trial activities.
The Vote
Students will better understand the concept of the Electoral College by participating in a mock Electoral College vote.
The Tired King
Students learn about the three functions of government in this interactive role play.
The Problem of SpongeBob RoundPants
This short scripted mock trial for grades 4-6 involves SpongeBob suing Abercrombie and Fish for pants that don’t fit. Scripted parts allow the trial to move quickly to jury deliberations during which the student jurors actually decide the verdict of the case.
Understanding Contracts
In this lesson, students are asked which of two chocolate bars – one with nuts, one without – they prefer. A single representative is taken from each preference group. These representatives are given the chocolate bar that they prefer less, motivating a contractual trade. One student unknowingly has an empty wrapper, eliciting debate after the trade is completed. The class concludes by discussing possible equitable solutions.
Rules, Rules, Rules-The Eraser Game
Students reflect on when and why rules are needed and the importance of rules in the classroom or in a community setting.
Yertle the Turtle Mock Trial
This mock trial exposes students to the mechanics of a jury trial, and stresses the importance of functioning as a juror.
What Is A Good Rule? Creating Our Ballot Questions
This lesson offers students the opportunity to play the role of voters with special interests. Students draw up initiatives for new classroom or school rules. Working in groups of four or five, students share their ideas and rationale for new rules.