Science Court is a project designed to combat polarization in American society and strengthen democracy. It is run as an interdisciplinary course in the University of Minnesota Honors Program involving students from across the university. The students select a controversial issue and spend an entire semester studying it in depth to determine the facts (based on sound scientific research) and then argue it in a mock trial in front of a jury of citizens with a mix of views and backgrounds. The public is engaged through compelling audio, video and online content generated by the students about the preparations, trial and verdict. The trial is open to the public.
Kerri Miller from MPR News thinks Science Court is a "great idea!":
OUR CASE FOR FALL 2018 WAS:
Should the State of Minnesota implement a 1:1 technology program in K-12 public schools, assigning one device (laptop or tablet) to every student for educational use in school and at home?
After deliberating for a little over three hours, the jury voted 10-3 for the con position against adopting a 1:1 Tech program in Minnesota.
View the closing arguments and the full jury statement (including suggestions for a "third way").
Upcoming Events
The next Science Court trial will take place in Fall 2019. Our next "off season" (spring and summer) event is on Saturday, June 15, 9-12pm, see Events for details.
To be kept informed, follow us on twitter or join the Science Court mailing list.
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