1-Pager
5th Grade  Project 4 weeks

Trial by Persuasion: The Writing Showdown!

Abigail P
3-5.AF.7.1
Productive Collaborator
Critical Thinker
Empowered Learner
Creative Contributer
+ 1 more
1-pager

Purpose

This project aims to immerse 5th-grade students in the complexities of argument writing through a hands-on mock trial experience. By investigating the historical figure of Christopher Columbus, students will critically analyze evidence, engage in collaborative discussions, and explore diverse perspectives. The involvement of community partner Shelly Alvey, a lawyer, enriches the learning experience by providing real-world insights into legal processes. Throughout the unit, students will develop essential competencies such as critical thinking, effective communication, and creative contribution, culminating in a reflective exhibition with Principal Anne Gipson.

Learning goals

Students will develop skills in argument writing by engaging in a mock trial, where they will critically evaluate evidence and refine their arguments. They will collaborate with peers and community partner Shelly Alvey to understand different perspectives and biases, enhancing their ability to communicate effectively. Through reflection circles and portfolio assessments, students will demonstrate mastery of essential questions and competencies, fostering deeper learning and self-improvement.
Standards
  • [Next Generation Science Standards] 3-5.AF.7.1 - Compare and refine arguments based on an evaluation of the evidence presented.
Competencies
  • Productive Collaborator - Engages with others to achieve a common goal through building positive relationships, actively listening, showing empathy, and making individual contributions to a larger group.
  • Critical Thinker - Thinks deeply and makes informed decisions to create solutions or new understanding supported by relevant and reliable evidence.
  • Empowered Learner - Demonstrates mastery and application of academic competencies. Develops the skills and dispositions to persist through difficulties and plan for a future of self-improvement.
  • Creative Contributer - Interprets experiences, imagines and plays with new possibilities with curiosity, and creates approaches that are novel, useful, and valued by the world around them.
  • Effective Communicator - Engages diverse audiences respectfully by exchanging ideas and information responsibly, listening actively, speaking and writing clearly, and using print and digital media appropriately.

Products

Throughout the unit, students will create a series of argument writing pieces, including drafts and final versions, as part of their portfolio. They will also develop research notes that demonstrate their understanding of evidence evaluation and perspective analysis. By the end of the unit, students will participate in a mock trial, showcasing their argumentation skills and understanding of the essential questions. Additionally, students will collaborate to create visual presentations that highlight different perspectives and biases in trials, which will be shared during the exhibition with Principal Anne Gipson.

Launch

Begin the unit with an interactive session featuring Shelly Alvey, the lawyer, who will introduce students to the basics of argument writing and the structure of a trial. Students will participate in a role-playing activity where they assume different roles in a courtroom setting, exploring the essential questions through a lively debate. This engaging launch will set the stage for the project by sparking curiosity and encouraging students to consider multiple perspectives and biases in preparation for their mock trial.

Exhibition

At the conclusion of the mock trial, students will present their portfolios and reflections to Principal Anne Gipson and other invited guests, including community partner Shelly Alvey. This exhibition will feature a live re-enactment of key moments from the trial, allowing students to showcase their argumentation skills and understanding of differing perspectives. Additionally, students will engage with the audience through a Q&A session, discussing their insights on the essential questions and how their views evolved throughout the project.