This document outlines an interdisciplinary unit where students will conduct a mock chemical trial. Students will be assigned roles as prosecution or defense attorneys and witnesses. They will research assigned chemicals, write scripts, and do a courtroom performance. Expectations include submitting research notes, script drafts, and a reflection. Students will be assessed on how well they synthesize science knowledge with their character role, communicate to the jury, and reflect on strengths and limitations of the project. Guidelines are provided for forming groups, selecting chemicals, and allocating roles for the mock trial.

1. Chemicals on trail
GRADE 8 INTERDISCIPLINARY UNIT

2. Overview
Chemicals on trial IDU
Language and Literature Science

3. Overview
Chemicals on trial IDU

4. Roles
Prosecution attorney
Defense attorney
Prosecution witness
Defense witness

5. Support materials

6. Process
1
•Learn about the “chemicals on trial” IDU
2
•Select chemicals and form groups
3
•Research chemical

7. Process
4 •Script writing and editing
5 •Cross examination preparation
6 •Courtroom drama

8. Expectations
Research notes (16th March)
Scripted sections (1st draft 24th March and final
version 6th April)
Performance (14th April)
Reflection (18th April)

9. Questions

10. IDU Assessment
Criteria Highest expectations
A: Disciplinary
grounding
• Describes the implications of the use of science to solve a problem
• Makes effective use of verbal and non-verbal presentation
techniques
B: Synthesizing • Create court case and character that thoroughly and consistently
synthesize: i) knowledge of science ii) role of character
C: Communicating • The character make a strong impact on the jury
• Relevant sources are identified and in-text referenced using MLA
format
D: Reflecting • Reflects on bot strengths and weaknesses of themselves
• Identifies strengths and limitations of the IDU

12. Questions

13. Selection process
1. Identify groups of 4 (Note you will actually be working in
opposing pairs)
2. Select a chemical to put on trial (you may want to have a
spare option as it is first come, first serve)
3. Allocate the roles i) prosecution attorney, ii) prosecution
witness, iii) defense attorney, iv) defense witness