Our 8th graders are diving into the annual "Townsville in Crisis" role-play in their humanities class, where they take on the challenge of solving complex community issues as members of a fictional city council. Set in the made-up town of Townsville, students must work together to develop policies that address a variety of economic, geographic, and social problems. Their goal? Convince the new "Governor" (a guest faculty member) that their council is responsible enough to be awarded a new land-grant university.
This immersive simulation gives students hands-on experience in conflict resolution, negotiation, and civic decision-making. They’re learning firsthand how to manage competing needs, consider multiple perspectives, and, at times, work through disagreements—all essential skills in any community.
In the final phase, students present their solutions to the Governor, who will ultimately decide if Townsville is worthy of the university grant. The stakes are high and the excitement is palpable as the future of the town hangs in the balance!