Moakley Field Trips – Opportunities for Experiential Learning
Through Discovering Justice Field Trips, students receive hands-on experience in examining the workings of the justice system and exploring the ideals of justice.
The Field Trips, led by Courthouse Program Associate Kiara Batista, provide a guided tour of the Moakley Courthouse, a meeting with a judge, and an opportunity to watch a court proceeding for Grades 8 and up, or to participate in a courtroom activity for younger grades.
During meetings with judges, students can gather the perspectives of legal experts to learn more about the process of justice in the United States. Students are also encouraged to critique this process during the courtroom activities by thinking about what justice means to them personally and collectively.
“Kids spoke out more on the field trip than weâve seen them in class,” said Dania Lezama, a Third Grade Inclusion Teacher from the Roger Clap Elementary School in Boston, who brought her third grade students into the Moakley for a field trip.
Students in Grades 8 and above can observe the justice system in action by attending a trial in person. Court observation tends to be a favorite for students who can learn and gather information first hand about the daily workings of the judicial system.
Field trips are available for students in grades 1-12 and are approximately 1.5-2 hours long and can be booked with Batista here. Visits are also available for college students and can be booked here.
