Orchard Middle School Students Join The Supreme Court In Hands-On Simulation

3/26/2018

[Photos begin at the bottom of this article]

Orchard fifth graders topped off a deep study of the Constitution and Bill of Rights with a mock Supreme Court hearing. Each of our six Supreme Court cases questioned First Amendment rights of freedom of expression or freedom of religion. Students played the roles of Associate Justice, Chief Justice, or attorney, delivering their own arguments and opinions on cases about banned books, school prayer, flag burning and other topics. Not surprisingly, our overall decision votes were quite similar to those of the U.S. Supreme Court. The First Amendment message is clear to all.

The mock Supreme Court hearing gave kids the opportunity to develop and present their own opinions and arguments in the most convincing manner, and to practice the art of public speaking. It was also loads of fun!

Progressive Education Tenet: Beyond traditional educational practices, knowledge is constructed through play, social interaction and direct experience, and this approach leads to academic achievement and success.

SNEAK PEEK INSIDE THE CLASSROOM:

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- Supreme Court 5th Grade
  
  Mr. Frongillo pumping up his advisory before the hearing.
- Supreme Court 5th Grade
  
  Before the hearing, Miss Homburg tells her advisory that they are awesome and going to do a great job!
- Supreme Court 5th Grade
  
  Time for the robes! Yes, fifth graders even wore real robes! #onlyatorchard
- Supreme Court 5th Grade
- Supreme Court 5th Grade
- Supreme Court 5th Grade
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  Court is in session.
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  Council members address the room.
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- Supreme Court 5th Grade
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  The students had the crowds full attention during each hearing.
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  Court dismissed!
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- Supreme Court 5th Grade
- Supreme Court 5th Grade