Gun Safety Town Hall

This town hall simulation gives elementary students the opportunity to learn an inquiry-based process that teaches the skills involved in civic participation. Students take on roles of different species that live in the same watershed: The Klamath River Basin. Many of these species are struggling and there is often not enough water to go around. Practicing perspective-taking helps students build empathy and recognize the complexity of issues. Students will take on a role, research the assigned stakeholder, and prepare a testimony from the point of view of their assigned role. For the culminating act of the town hall, students will testify about their experiences and needs to a panel of human decision-makers, who manage the water resources in the Klamath Basin. The “humans from the Oregon Water Resources Department” will listen to the species’ testimony and ask questions. The “humans” will also open up the floor and let different stakeholders ask questions of each other. Finally, students will all reflect on how their understanding of the situation grew and what solutions they recommend for the actual humans making decisions about water allocation.  This method of active learning teaches students about civil discourse, respecting each other, collaboration, and developing a deeper understanding of an issue. This simulation lesson plan provides all the components needed by teachers and students.  Objectives of a Town Hall Simulation: Students will:  Analyze and articulate various perspectives of different kinds of species that rely on the water resources of the Klamath Basin Develop and hone listening skills to better understand distinct points of view Identify ways to compromise and collaborate Practice public speaking and democratic participation 

Drought and the Deschutes: A Town Hall Simulation offers a three-day lesson plan for students to assume roles in a simulated town-hall environment on drought and water-related issues in Central Oregon. This packet includes descriptions of how to prepare students for the town hall (including interactive activities and a list of key vocabulary), eight roles for students to play in the town hall, additional resource links, and a rubric for student testimony.

Democracy requires public participation and compromise to solve problems as a community. By simulating a town hall meeting, students will be exposed to the multiple perspectives involved in a complex societal issue. They will identify evidence that best supports each role’s interest and will practice writing and delivering persuasive testimony to a policy workgroup. By researching and then taking on the perspective of those they might not necessarily agree with, students gain a deeper understanding and ability to critically think through one of the most controversial topics in the state. Finally, they will engage in deliberative and direct democracy as they seek a solution. 

This simulation invites students to engage with the complex issues surrounding water rights, agricultural demands, environmental conversation, and indigenous rights within the Klamath Basin. Students will explore the perspectives of various stakeholders in a mock town hall setting, aiming to negotiate solutions that balance ecological sustainability with community needs.  Quote From NOAA’s The Essential Principles of Climate Literacy: “Climate plays an important role in the global distribution of freshwater resources. Changing precipitation patterns and temperature conditions will alter the distribution and availability of freshwater resources, reducing reliable access to water for many people and their crops. Winter snowpack and mountain glaciers that provide water for human use are declining as a result of global warming.”

This town hall simulation gives elementary students the opportunity to learn an inquiry-based process that teaches empathy and collaboration. Students take on roles of different kinds of kids who might be in a class together. By taking on the perspective of those they might not necessarily relate to, children can gain a deeper understanding and ability to critically think through how to talk with each other. Included in packet are the simualtion, role sheets, and a supplemental literacy lesson.

In this Town Hall simulation, students assume a variety of roles and consider the question of "How is immigration affecting my community?" from the role they have been assigned. During the town hall, students work with other students who have been assigned their roles, create testimony that articulates their particular viewpoint, present their views, listen to other speakers' views, respond to questions from a town council (made of other students), and debrief the process with the rest of the class. Town hall simluations provide many ways for teachers to modify the activity to meet their own students' needs, time constraints, and other contextual considerations.

This town hall simulation gives elementary students the opportunity to learn an inquiry-based process tht teaches empath and collaboration, by taking on different roles.