Phyllis Muranaka, Mililani Uka, Mililani, HI

JUSTICE, IS IT FAIR?

Appropriate for grade 5.

OVERVIEW:  Students are often unable to understand what justice
means when conflicts are resolved.  Some decisions seem to be
unfair to them.  Adult intervention is often needed to resolve
conflicts.  A unit on justice makes students aware of possible
solutions for their problems of conflict.  This activity is used
in a social studies unit on justice for grade 5.

PURPOSE:  The purpose of this activity is to provide an unfair
situation to introduce the concept of justice.  It is a
hypothetical problem which students will try to solve through
critical thinking skills.

OBJECTIVES:  

ACTIVITIES:  To introduce the unit on justice, some probable
activities are:

 1.  Read a hypothetical note from the principal to the class
     which says that their class will not be able to participate
     in an activity enjoyed by other classes on their grade level.
     For example, an area of the playground is off-limits to them
     and the class must find other activities to do.  The class
     will not receive any money to buy quiet games.

 2.  A paper sack with small packets of candy--- 5 less than the
     total number of students in the class.  Pass the sacks among
     the students.

 3.  Divide the class into two groups for a math game--- relay
     type.  One group will have the more capable math students.  A
     student from each group goes to the chalkboard to solve a
     problem read by the teacher.

 4.  During the language arts period, one reading group is given
     an independent activity period (art, games, computer, etc.)
     while the other groups are given worksheets or structured
     activities.

This experience continues for several days until a student notices
the situation.

RESOURCES/MATERIALS NEEDED:  Material described above.

TYING IT ALL TOGETHER:  This activity introduces the unit on
justice.  The students experience an unfair situation and are
given the opportunity to discuss it.  Feelings and possible
solutions should be written on the chalkboard.