Nipmuc Regional High School Juniors Learn Civics Through U.S. Senate Simulation
Superintendent Maureen Cohen shares that 80 Nipmuc Regional High School students participated in a simulation of the U.S. Senate designed to highlight the importance of civics and public service.
About 80 juniors traveled to the Edward M. Kennedy Museum for the United States Senate in Boston on Oct. 26, where they played the role of U.S. Senators in creating legislation. Guided by Museum facilitators, students focused on how the nation should adjust energy policy to meet the challenge of a changing climate. Through this simulation, students are immersed in the skills necessary for effective lawmaking, and the importance of civic dialogue and identifying common interests.
Debate is held in a recreation of the two-story U.S. Senate chambers. Students were assigned a political party and state to represent.
“Being given the persona of someone who holds a very different perspective than mine was a really interesting experience,” student Diana Plotkin said. “It opened up my eyes further as to why some people who hold views very different to mine hold those specific priorities and mindsets.”
The Museum honors the late Sen. Edward M. Kennedy and his nearly 50 years in office.
“My favorite part of the trip was the full committee coming together to debate amendments and provisions. It makes me have more respect for our politicians in the Senate, as doing that process hundreds of times a year is hard to do,” student Max Bevivino said.
“Nipmuc strives to provide its students with authentic learning experiences that are relevant in today's world,” said teacher Matt Merton, who coordinated the event. “The trip was a powerful learning experience for our students.”