Message from dash

[Anonymous]

During the ancient China unit, my class conducts a mock trial. This lesson was created by Laura Allen, a teacher at Miller Middle School in Cupertino. Every year, I have modified the requirements and procedures, but have found that the students are truely engaged.

The mock trial places Emperor Qin and his advisor Li Si on trial for bookburning and censorship. The students gain background knowledge by reading numerous articles about censorship. Most students are unaware that censorhip exisits and are shocked to find that books, which they have read, have been banned in several libraries in the U.S.

By conducting a classroom trial, the students examine both sides and become passionate about the issue. The trial points out Emperor Qin's accomplishments as well as those things that many consider "evil". The students also gain a knowledge of the legal system in the U.S. compared to that of China.

I am attaching the power point presentation, which outlines the project and standards. If anyone is interested in this lesson, I would be more than willing to share the rest of the details. -Dana Ash