What does geometry have to do with law? More than you might think.

At Magellan International School, Secondary students in the IB Middle Years Program (MYP) recently explored how the logical structure behind a geometric proof mirrors the way lawyers build a persuasive legal case. The lesson, part of their Logic and Reasoning unit, connected STEM education with real-world applications in communication, ethics, and argument.

To bring this concept to life, students met with three Magellan parents and attorneys — Emily Ducet, Tom Sims, and Mindy Gulati — for an engaging panel discussion about how logic guides their work in the courtroom and beyond.

Through an inquiry-based learning approach, students examined how lawyers use inductive reasoning (drawing conclusions from specific pieces of evidence) to form a case theory — much like mathematicians form a conjecture after observing a pattern.

“You start with what you know,” said Tom Sims, “but you stay open to what new evidence might reveal. Sometimes you have to completely pivot your thinking — and that’s part of good reasoning.”

The panel also drew connections between conditional statements — the “if–then” logic that underpins geometry — and the structure of laws and contracts. “Every word matters,” explained Mindy Gulati. “An extra if or a missing then can change everything.” Students discovered that precision in logical reasoning isn’t just a math skill — it’s essential for critical thinking, problem-solving, and ethical decision-making in every discipline.

When asked what advice they’d give to students interested in law, Tom Sims offered reassurance: “You don’t have to major in political science to become a lawyer. Study what you’re passionate about — art, science, philosophy — and bring that curiosity into how you solve problems.” Three additional take-aways included having empathy, being resilient and “failing well”— learning what to do when things don't go your way.

That message resonated deeply. For many Magellan students, the conversation wasn’t just about connecting geometry to law — it was about recognizing logic as a way of thinking that reaches across every subject. They’re already putting those skills into practice: high school students recently founded a Speech and Debate Club, a natural extension of their growing interest in argument, structure, and voice.

The discussion even sparked cross-disciplinary connections — to English, through a lively debate about the Oxford comma, to Individuals & Societies, where students examined how modern courts interpret laws written more than 200 years ago.

This unit’s Statement of Inquiry says it best:
Using logic and justification, we can model and understand the patterns between statements, providing a foundation for arguments and ethical decisions based on sound reasoning.

Whether proving a theorem or defending a case, Magellan students are learning that clear thinking and structured inquiry are key tools for success — in school, in future careers, and as global citizens.

Thank you to our panelists — Emily Ducet, Tom Sims, and Mindy Gulati — for sharing your time, expertise, and stories with our community.