Lynbrook Students Stage Mock Trial

Students at Lynbrook’s recently staged a mock trial, in which two teams debated the essential question, "Based on their contributions, were the Native Americans or the Europeans more worthy of ownership of New York?"

The students, all fourth graders in Jessica Kuehn’s class, took on the roles of attorneys and legal experts. Each legal team presented arguments detailing the contributions of both Native Americans and Europeans to the philosophy, literature, economy, natural resources, games, sports, music and art of the state. The evidence was presented in the form of documents, political cartoons, live demonstrations and video clips. Two of the video clips included a reader's theater performed by the students.

Principal Lucille McAssey served as the judge, while parents in the audience acted as the jury. After both sides presented their closing arguments, the jury returned a verdict in favor of the Native Americans.

Prior to the trial, students researched their topics with the help of Ms. Kuehn and Library Media Specialist Jacqueline Marino. They also received special coaching from Lynbrook School Board trustee William Belmont and Lisa Daniels, two parents who are attorneys themselves. They instructed the students about how to use evidence to support an argument, and discussed how appearances and skilled delivery of arguments can change the outcome of a trial.

On the day of the trial, NYS Assemblyman Brian Curran made an appearance to speak to the students about the importance of civic duty.

“We teach social studies to create the citizens of tomorrow,” explained Ms. Kuehn. “To be able to make an informed decision in a democracy, it is important to understand issues from all points of view.”

This is just one example of the district’s efforts to meet the state’s Common Core Learning Standards by infusing English Language arts into social studies, technology, music, art and physical education instruction.