In addition to the tour that focuses on the history and architecture of the State House, there is another option for your students – a legislative role-play tour.
This role-play is designed to be a fun and interesting way for your students to learn about how a bill becomes a law. Teachers who have already experienced this new tour report that it has helped their students better understand the complexity of law-making as well as ways they can get involved in the legislative process.
The purpose of the role-play is to show students that the process of a bill becoming a law is a messy one. There is
compromise along the way as law makers struggle to serve the needs of various constituent groups and pass a law that is enforceable and for the public good. With students playing the roles of legislators, lobbyists, and even the governor, they get a feel for what our lawmakers go through during the legislative process.
The workbook Adventures of Bill will be mailed to teachers in advance. Scripts and other teaching materials are available on-line by clicking the link on the right. Contact the School Tours Coordinator at 828-1411 if you are interested in scheduling a tour. The role-play tour is offered throughout the school year, but only on Mondays during the legislative session.