To culminate our study of this time, we transported back to 1830 and engaged in a mock Congressional Hearing on the IRA. Students were divided into 5 groups – Cherokee, Black Seminoles, Plantation Owners, Missionaries and Northern Reformers, and the Andrew Jackson Administration – and were asked to provide testimony at the hearing. Each group prepared by reading background information on their assigned role, so that they could better understand their respective positions on the proposed law, and each student created a fictional persona to embody during the hearing.

During our simulation, groups were able to send “traveling negotiators” to the other groups, to obtain information, build alliances, and more. Once the hearing formally began, each team presented their testimony and then fielded questions from the others. At times, students would do research on the spot in order to provide robust rebuttals. There was some really impassioned and effective debate! The 8th graders truly got into the role play, and offered clear and deep arguments. No doubt, they will remember the Indian Removal Act, the perspectives of Americans during this time, and the impact on US History, for years to come!