The NMCP’s curriculum for students in 5th through 12th grades is available to teachers who purchase tickets for a group of 20 or more students.  The curriculum is divided into three time periods which meet the following national standards for learning:

Curriculum One – Crime and Punishment in the Colonial Era

This lesson includes an overview of the colonial justice system and two extensive case study lessons of specific colonial crimes: witchcraft and piracy.

The lessons meet National History Standard outcomes for grades 5-12, Era 2
“Colonization and Settlement (1585-1763)”

Curriculum Two – Crime and Punishment in the Old West

This lesson examines the western expansion and settlement as experienced through the perspective of law enforcement and outlaws. Supplemental lessons examine the biographies of significant western figures and a documentary analysis of western towns.

The lessons meet National History Standard outcomes for grades 5-12, Era 4
“Expansion and Reform (1801-1861)”

Curriculum Three – Crime and Punishment in Modern America

This lesson focuses on the 20th and 21st centuries as a time of greater professionalization and sophistication in criminal investigation. A primary lesson delves into the process by which laws are established. An extensive lesson on forensic science introduces students to the science behind police investigative labs.

The lessons meet National History Standard outcomes for grades 5-12, Era 7
“The Emergence of Modern America (1890-1930)”
National Science Content Standards for grades 5-12 Content Standard A
“Abilities Necessary to do Scientific Inquiry” and “Understandings About Scientific Inquiry”
National Standards for Civics and Government for grades 5-12

To obtain a copy of these lessons, please contact the group sales team by phone at 202-621-5553, or by e-mail at sales@crimemuseum.org.