Gurnee students put Boston Massacre on trial

History came alive this week, so to speak, for seventh-grade students in Matt Lakemacher's social studies classes at Woodland Middle School in Gurnee.

Students who had been learning about the Boston Massacre took part Thursday in a mock trial of Capt. Thomas Preston. He was the British officer in charge when soldiers opened fire on an angry crowd March 5, 1770, killing five colonists.

Lakemacher served as the presiding judge during the trial, which included prosecution and defense teams, witnesses, a jury, a bailiff, a court reporter, an artist and a news reporter.

The trial is a way for students to be more hands on, play a role and use critical thinking skills, Lakemacher said.

"It's really amazing to see some of those students who are a little more shy kind of come out their shells and really be excited about playing that part. It makes history come alive for them," he added.

Although history books tell us Preston was acquitted, the student jury will issue its own verdict Friday.