The Scopes Monkey Trial Classroom Skit – Reader’s Theater The Roaring Twenties

Description

This lesson plan provides teachers with a creative way to teach a topic that can be difficult for students to understand. The Scopes Monkey Trial was one of the major events of the 1920s, and the major debate at the center of the trial has carried on through history. I’ve designed a simple little skit that lays out the major events. Characters include two narrators, George Rappleyea, Walter White, Fred Robinson, Sue Hicks, Wallace Haggard, John Scopes, Clarence Darrow, William Jennings Bryan, Thomas Stewart, Howard Morgan, a Police Officer and Judge Raulston.

The play is based on the basic facts of the court case, although I didn’t rely on actual dialogue. I’ve added in some fun little jokes that I know your students will enjoy (as I’ve been teaching these grades for a long time, I know what students will find funny).

This lesson plan is linked with NYS Social Studies standards, however, I’m sure you could add your own. It includes a 1 page lesson plan, a 5 page script, and a short exit ticket to check for understanding.

Included in this Resource:

•  a PDF version (not editable)
• a PowerPoint version (editable)
•  link to a Google Slides version (editable)
• Slideshow for backgrounds (PowerPoint and Google Slides Versions)