From Candy Debates to Global Crises: How Model UN Shapes Young Leaders

When signing up for an elective class, most middle school students don’t typically select a class that requires them to conduct research, write position papers or give speeches. But that didn’t phase the students at Silver Spring International Middle School who selected Model UN for one of their electives this year. 

“This class is an experience that can’t be replicated,” said 8th grader Fabienne. “Through our conferences, I’ve learned so much about the world and other people’s opinions.” 

Model UN is a program where students simulate the United Nations by representing countries’ interests in order to solve real-world international conflicts. Each conference includes different topics and committees that require students to select and research a country and develop position papers that assist them with their conference speeches. Conference topics are real-world and current, and have included mental health, food security, preserving languages and endangered species. 

“Once we get assigned a country, we use our capture sheet to do research and prepare our position paper,” said Amari, an 8th grader. “Sometimes, we can select our own country or sometimes the country is chosen for us.”

“If they’ve been in the class for two years, they will have about 10 different countries that they’ve been able to research and learn about,” said teacher Delia Dunlap. 

Throughout the year, they host in-classroom conferences, which are student-led and require active participation. Students serve as delegates (representatives of different countries), a page (note passer) and dias (president and vice president of the committee). They also have the opportunity to attend regional conferences on the weekends in places like New York, NY and Williamsburg, VA. In early April, 12 students participated in a conference in Anne Arundel County and brought home seven awards.

In addition to the conferences and trips, Ms. Dunlap also lets the students host debates about the best candy or soda. 

“Ms. Dunlap has these fun days where we debate which candy or soda is the best,” said Mia, a 7th grader. “It’s a great way to practice our research and public speaking skills while having fun.”

These experiences allow students to meet peers throughout the country, hear different perspectives and learn new skills. Most students said Model UN has helped them with public speaking skills. Others mentioned strengthening their skills in research, writing, expanding their vocabulary, debating, collaborating and empathy. 

“This class helped me become a better public speaker and learn more about different countries,” said Joseph, a 7th grader. “The skills I’ve learned in Model UN apply to my everyday life,” added 8th grader N’Daunis.

MCPS offers Model UN clubs and courses at various schools. Currently, only Silver Spring International and Gaithersburg Middle offer Model UN as a full-year elective. Others, including North Bethesda and Cabin John middle schools, offer Model UN as an after- school club where students compete in local, state and national competitions.

Over the years, the offering at Silver Spring International has grown. What used to be about 40 student’s first choice elective has soared to about 150 students' first choice this coming fall. 

“We have a really good teacher,” said Tristen, a 7th grader. “Ms. Dunlap makes the format for capturing information so easy. Even if you’re finished with the current work, she always has people moving forward. She’s always getting us ahead for the next conference.” 8th grader Faris added, “She’s very involved in the topics and her students. She challenges us in many different ways.” 8th grader Aydin continued, “Ms. Dunlap has taught us a lot about Model UN. We’re grateful for the trips she’s taken us on and for sharing her view of the world.”