By: Diana Johnsen
djohnsen@kcautv.com
It is a real life experience with real issues.
For the first time ever on Monday, about 100 Senior Government students from Boyden-Hull and Rock Valley High School went head to head in a mock trial.
As part of a graded project, students were required to take part.
"I love this stuff, this is my passion. Hopefully I can do it as a career one day," said Rock Valley senior, Dakota Vlotho after he finished arguing his case.
From each school, teams argued for or against a controversial topic. Topics that ranged from assisted suicide, gun control, to coerced confessions.
The students had to back up their side with not only the facts but also court cases.
So in order to prepare for their arguments, they had to do weeks of research.
"We did lots and lots of research. We got time to in our Government and English classes to go through some stuff. We had to talk things through as a group," said Chris Sietstra, Boyden-Hull senior.
Winners of each case were determined by a panel of judges; judges who ranged from local attorneys to local political leaders like State Senator Randy Feenstra.
Boyden-Hull Government teacher John Olson said the mock trial was a great way for students to have a real world experience outside the classroom.
"I have them do the learning instead of me just standing up in front, lecturing them, and passing out worksheets. I try to get them to be hands-on learners instead of pencil and paper learners."
