Mr. Francisco Gonzales '13 Spanish I students have been researching the Puerto Rico statehood conflict. Each of his students were assigned a side to the issue: for Puerto Rico statehood or against Puerto Rico statehood. Providing each student with an assigned side to the topic gave them an opportunity to research a side of the issue that they did not necessarily agree with nor know much about previously. The preparation for the trial consisted of either writing a paper for Puerto Rico statehood or the opposing side writing against Puerto Rico Statehood. The students then met to combine all of their arguments and select two lawyers to represent their group and provide a 'firm name'.

Sam Graffeo '22 reflected on his trial experience, "Every chapter in our book focuses on a different country or area that speaks Spanish. Puerto Rico was the territory in this lesson's chapter. This is a very important topic to discuss. Through writing an argumentative essay and using that essay in a mock trial, we were able to form an opinion and have a productive conversation in a courtroom setting. I was very impressed with the informed opinions and facts of my classmates who felt that Puerto Rico should or should not be a state."

 

All of Mr. Gonzales' Spanish I classes then met in the Auditorium to conduct their 'Puerto Rico mock trial'. This trial was an opportunity for students to take their argumentative essays and put their words into action.