Mock Trial

The City of Pompeii vs. Mount Vesuvius

Students in Mrs. Wilde's Social Studies and Ms. Huffman's Science classes are joining together for a trial centuries in the making. Students will take on the roles of judges, bailiffs, clerks, lawyers, witnesses, jurors, and news reporters. We are having a little fun in putting Mount Vesuvius on trial for the destruction of Pompeii in 79 AD/CE by having the city of Pompeii sue Mount Vesuvius for wrongful death. Each student has learn what is required of their courtroom role along with the historical and volcanic events from that fateful day. 

See pictures from this year's trial below.

Science Standards:

• 6.E.2 Understand the structure of the earth and how interactions of constructive and destructive forces have resulted in changes in the surface of the Earth over time and the effects of the lithosphere on humans. 

• 6.P.1 Understand the properties of waves and the wavelike property of energy in earthquakes, light and sound.

Social Studies Standards:

• 6.H.1.3 Compare multiple perspectives of various historical events in civilizations in Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas using primary and secondary sources.

• 6.G.1.4 Explain how societies in Africa, Asia, Europe and the Americas modified and adapted to the environment based on topography, climate, bodies of water, and natural resources. 

• 6.C&G.1 Understand the purpose of government and authority.