{"id":7397,"date":"2023-02-02T07:31:00","date_gmt":"2023-02-02T12:31:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/teachersfirst.com\/blog\/?p=7397"},"modified":"2023-02-01T11:08:16","modified_gmt":"2023-02-01T16:08:16","slug":"tech-tool-of-the-month-argument-wars-part-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/teachersfirst.org\/blog\/2023\/02\/tech-tool-of-the-month-argument-wars-part-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Tech Tool of the Month: Argument Wars – Part 2"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

In Part 1<\/a> of this blog, we introduced you to Argument Wars<\/a>, an engaging simulation that allows students to take on the role of a lawyer as they investigate real historical court cases, and discussed applying the SAMR Model and the Triple E Framework to use this resource in your instruction. Today’s post offers detailed instructions and ideas for using this tool in your classroom.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Argument Wars<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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You will be prompted to add your login information. You have three options: Log in<\/strong>, Register<\/strong>, or No Thanks<\/strong>. Students do not have to log in to use this tool, but if they do, all progress will be saved and shared with teachers who set up classes in their educator accounts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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If you decide to log in, you can create an account as a teacher or student using your email, Clever, or Google. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Once you\u2019re ready to begin, you will be prompted to choose the opponent’s skill level: normal or high. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Next, you will select your lawyer (they have several inclusive options). Click the arrows to view the options and then click Continue<\/strong> when ready.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Be sure to share the information in this Historical Disclaimer with your students. Remember, the outcome of the game is up to the player. Some cases may have a different verdict in the simulation than in real life. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Next, select the case you would like to use for the simulation. Notice the audio button next to the description that allows students to hear and read the story. Click Next Case<\/strong> until you find the one you want, then click Select Case<\/strong>. View the two cases below to get an idea of what to expect. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Once you\u2019ve chosen your case, it\u2019s time to choose which side you will represent in the simulation. Use the blue Swap Sides<\/strong> button in the middle to decide which side you will represent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Next, the simulation will ask you to investigate which Constitutional amendment relates to your chosen case. Read the options, and when you think you have the correct answer, click Select Amendment<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Now you\u2019re ready to begin the case. Each lawyer gets to pick cards from the piles that offer support for your case, objection cards to use, and strategies to try in the virtual courtroom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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As each side argues its case, students can learn related vocabulary words.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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As the simulation continues, the lawyers are offered input on their decisions to use strategies, share supporting evidence, or use the objection card. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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When the simulation ends, the winner\u2014the side with the most points\u2014is revealed. Again, the winning verdict may differ from the Supreme Court’s decision on the case. Nevertheless, this simulation is good practice for making decisions and using critical thinking. Even if the outcome differs, you can still win by offering solid supporting evidence and reason.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Once the winner has been determined, the players can compare their decision to the actual results of the case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Now that we\u2019ve shared how to use the simulation, let’s discuss some additional features. First, users can click Settings <\/strong>in the top left to toggle the audio; change the voice, sound effects, and music volume; change the language (this tool is available in English and Spanish); and turn the glossary links on or off. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Below is a list of all the historical cases shared in this simulation. You can also download teacher resources and view an extension pack and assign cases to students when logged in as a teacher.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Let’s discuss the login features for educators. This is the home screen for the free educator account. Teachers can add classes, view the activity feed, see achievements, assign simulations to their class, view the amount of time students have spent on the program, and see how many points have been earned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Teachers can add classes by clicking +Create a Class<\/strong> or by clicking Sync Classroom Classes<\/strong> to pull from their Google Classroom accounts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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iCivics offers many additional simulation activities. All games in the list below can be found by clicking the Play<\/strong> button on the home page.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Argument Wars Classroom Ideas:<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n

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Argument Wars<\/a> is a free, game-based simulation offered through iCivics that provides a creative way for students to learn about nine landmark Supreme Court cases. Below, we share several suggestions for using Argument Wars in your lessons.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n