How to Solve a (Mock) Crime: 6th Grade Forensics & Civics

At the onset of each new school year, Willows 6th Graders embark on a multi-month unit focused on forensic sciences and their intersection with the U. S. judicial system. Simulations of forensic activities help demonstrate these essential processes. Starting with a mock crime scene in the science lab, 6th grade students study the case for the next several weeks, learning a variety of forensic science techniques and practices in class, on field trips, and from guest speakers. However, the scientific component is just one part of the curriculum. The unit culminates in a mock trial, with each class divided into prosecution and defense. In this final activity of the unit, it is critical to not only know the scientific procedure for investigation, but to be able to accurately craft an argument to convince a mock jury.

6th Grade science teacher Ann Istrin leads this unit each year. Setting the foundation for the scientific elements of the unit, Istrin introduces multiple scientific procedures at the beginning of the school year. Whether reviewing the scientific method, studying fingerprinting techniques, or reviewing how to correctly record scientific data, Istrin ensures that students have all the procedural tools necessary to gather facts about the mock case.

The next step for students is to form a persuasive argument beyond reasonable doubt. This task contrasts the objective science involved in the unit, preparing students to create subjective arguments based on the evidence they have examined. As lawyers, experts, and witnesses begin practice for the mock trial, it is crucial that they are fully aware of the facts at hand, but also the narrative. This includes being able to incorporate logic and problem-solving skills, as information that must be concluded starts to exceed the information that is known. 

Students also explore real-world applications, through field trips and guest speakers to understand how professional forensic and judicial experts approach their daily work. By visiting the Culver City Police Department’s forensic lab, students were able to examine up close the procedures, tools, and technologies that investigators use to determine the facts of cases.They also visited the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center, the county courthouse in Downtown Los Angeles to observe authentic judicial systems at work. In addition, they met with a judge to learn about typical trial and courtroom etiquette, how to form strong, fact-based arguments, and to help dispel common myths about the criminal justice system.

Finally, a few days before the mock trials began, a few Willows parents who work in roles connected to the criminal justice system and have extensive experience investigating cases and constructing arguments during trials visited the 6th grade classrooms. Hearing from a detective and two lawyers, students had the opportunity to learn best practices for the upcoming mock trial and ask questions about each occupation.

Concluding the unit, the long-awaited mock trials began. Every student participated in each class’s trial, either serving as a lawyer, witness, or expert. Presenting before a jury of 8th Grade students and faculty members, both the prosecution and defense asked insightful and instructive questions, attempting to demonstrate to the jury that their argument was worthy of affirmation. By reviewing the facts of the case and playing their roles well, students brought a level of individuality that made the proceedings enjoyable and competitive. Combining multiple disciplines through engaging experiential learning activities, the 6th Grade forensics unit continuously proves to be an exciting and nuanced exploration of our criminal justice system.

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