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 our Courthouse Programs Manager, 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 we’ve 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. Visits are also available for college students. To book, please email fieldtrips@discoveringjustice.org.

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Gala 2022 Slide Deck - 26

Discovering Justice Spring Fellowships Available

Discovering Justice Fellows engage in meaningful work from their first day on the job. Whether working directly with the Mock Trial Program Manager to plan eleven courthouse events across Massachusetts, or developing an outreach and advocacy campaign to encourage public officials to invest in civic education, Fellows have a tangible impact on civic education across the Commonwealth.

Applications for the five-month Spring Fellowship Program are being accepted through January 27th. Fellowships run from February through June and full-time Fellows receive a $4,500 stipend. The Fellowship is a great opportunity for a recent college graduate or an undergraduate taking a gap term or is participating in a co-op program.

This Spring, Discovering Justice is hiring for the following Fellowships:

  • Civic Education Organizing and Advocacy
  • Courthouse Programs – Field Trips and Tours
  • Development and Gala Event Planning
  • Mock Appeal Program

You can read more about the Fellowships here. Applicants can send a resume and cover letter to Malia Brooks at careers@discoveringjustice.org.

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Kayla Nordman

Kayla Nordman believes strongly in expanding access to comprehensive civic education to provide the next generation with the resources they need to uphold and expand upon the values of American democracy and create a more equitable future. Before joining Discovering Justice, she worked as a Legislative Intern at the Massachusetts State House and as a Program Manager for the Massachusetts Center for Civic Education. Kayla graduated from Suffolk University with a BA in International Relations.