Justice Detectives: A First Grade Criminal Case Study
Inquiry Framework
Question Framework
Driving Question
The overarching question that guides the entire project.How do the rules in our community help keep us safe, and what happens when someone breaks them?Essential Questions
Supporting questions that break down major concepts.- What is a crime?
- What are the rules in our community?
- Why do we have rules?
- What happens when someone breaks a rule?
- How do police officers and lawyers help us?
Standards & Learning Goals
Learning Goals
By the end of this project, students will be able to:- Students will be able to define what a crime is.
- Students will be able to explain the rules in their community.
- Students will be able to explain why rules are important.
- Students will be able to describe the consequences of breaking rules.
- Students will be able to identify the roles of police officers and lawyers.
Entry Events
Events that will be used to introduce the project to studentsCommunity Protector Visit & Mock Trial
A local police officer visits the classroom to discuss community rules and safety, followed by a mock trial where students act as jurors to decide if a classmate broke a classroom rule. This event will help students understand the roles of law enforcement and the consequences of breaking rules.Portfolio Activities
Portfolio Activities
These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.Consequence Kids: The Ripple Effect of Breaking Rules
Students will learn about the consequences of breaking rules through scenarios and role-playing.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA series of short skits demonstrating the consequences of breaking different rules, performed for the class.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsThis activity aligns with the learning goal: Students will be able to describe the consequences of breaking rules.Rubric & Reflection
Portfolio Rubric
Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolioConsequence Kids: Skit Performance Rubric
Skit Performance
Focuses on how well the students understood and portrayed the skit.Accuracy of Rule and Consequence
The accuracy of the skit's portrayal of community rules and the consequences of breaking them.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe skit accurately and comprehensively portrays the rule and consequence, demonstrating a deep understanding of the topic. The consequence is realistic and logically connected to the broken rule.
Proficient
3 PointsThe skit mostly accurately portrays the rule and consequence, demonstrating a good understanding of the topic. The consequence is generally realistic and connected to the broken rule.
Developing
2 PointsThe skit portrays the rule and consequence with some inaccuracies, demonstrating a basic understanding of the topic. The consequence is vaguely related to the broken rule.
Beginning
1 PointsThe skit inaccurately portrays the rule and consequence, demonstrating a limited understanding of the topic. The consequence is not realistically connected to the broken rule or is missing entirely.
Clarity and Communication
The clarity and effectiveness of the skit in communicating the rule and its consequence to the audience.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe skit is exceptionally clear and engaging, effectively communicating the rule and consequence to the audience. The performance is well-rehearsed and captivating.
Proficient
3 PointsThe skit is clear and engaging, effectively communicating the rule and consequence to the audience. The performance is well-rehearsed.
Developing
2 PointsThe skit is somewhat clear, communicating the rule and consequence to the audience with some difficulty. The performance shows some rehearsal.
Beginning
1 PointsThe skit is unclear and does not effectively communicate the rule and consequence to the audience. The performance lacks rehearsal.
Collaboration
The students' ability to work together effectively to plan, create, and perform the skit.
Exemplary
4 PointsStudents collaborate exceptionally well, demonstrating leadership, respect for each other's ideas, and equal participation in all aspects of the skit's creation and performance.
Proficient
3 PointsStudents collaborate well, demonstrating respect for each other's ideas and participating actively in the skit's creation and performance.
Developing
2 PointsStudents collaborate with some difficulty, with some imbalance in participation or disagreements hindering the skit's creation and performance.
Beginning
1 PointsStudents struggle to collaborate, with significant imbalance in participation or unresolved disagreements hindering the skit's creation and performance.