A CLASS SIMULATION ACTIVITY DOESN’T NEED THREE WEEKS OF PREP FOR IT TO BE EFFECTIVE
The way I use class simulation activities to spice up a historically pretty boring unit
One of my favorite things about teaching high school students is sitting back and watching when they undoubtedly rise to the occasion. They might need some visual instructions, they might want to watch an example or two, but once they understand the assignment (hehe I love gen z slang) it is a work of art to behold as they make the learning experience their own.
This is why I embrace activities like mock trials and class simulations. Once they get into a groove, it’s one of those classes they don’t forget. They bring it up at graduation. They tell their younger siblings “just wait until you do the Daylight Savings Mock Trial".”
The next thing you know, you’ve made a name for yourself. The kids know that when they enter your room, they won’t be filling in blanks or drowning in poorly copied packets. They set their backpack down and say something like “ok Miss, what shenanigans are we up to today?” And isn’t that the whole damn point?
Now let’s get to the good stuff, planning a simulation activity:
CLASSROOM SIMULATION ACTIVITY
This is what I’ve learned after planning a bunch of these. You really only need four things.
Give everyone a role
Not necessarily a character (although, I imagine the theater teachers would love that!). More like guidance on how they’re going to throw a wrench into the discussion. They can be an avid supporter, a pacifist, a troll. Trust me, they get into it.
Break the big question into small ones
“Should we rewrite the Constitution?” is a big question. But, “should we have a maximum age for the President?” is much more manageable. Break up the big idea into bite sized questions that students can argue about (now that they have their roles)Make the stakes feel high from the jump
The mock trial or simulation activity should be guided by something provocative. Something that holds some risk. Should we rewrite the Constitution is spicy, it relates to how we live our lives. So the activity should start with some kind of discussion or video interview that talks about just how high the stakes are for the conversation we’re having as a class.Come back as a class for the big reveal
This is the part that makes it really memorable. Everyone’s group decision goes on the board. Kids can react to each other’s evidence or final decisions. We get to hear everyone’s thinking process out loud.
WANT A DONE-FOR-YOU ACTIVITY LIKE THIS?
If you want a ready-to-assign activity like this one, I have a few in my shop!
Daylight Savings Mock Trial Activity
Constitutional Convention Simulation Activity
Socratic Seminar Alternative Discussion Activity
Catch ya later,
Drea