The major goal of this activity is to better understand the conflicting solutions involved in resolving several complex environmental issues. In order to successfully participate in the debates, you will be required to complete the following steps:

STEP # 1: Read the entire Great Environmental Debates Activity and all of the following case studies.

STEP # 2: Place yourself in a group with two other students of your choice. Each group must have exactly three people.

STEP # 3: Each group will randomly select their assigned topic and argument (pro/con) that they must research, present and debate.

STEP # 4: Each group will read, analyze, evaluate and discuss their assigned case study.

STEP # 5: Each group must research and collect evidence that will that will allow you to create a persuasive argument which supports your assigned viewpoint.

STEP # 6: Each group will use their research and evidence to construct a creative and persuasive three part presentation.

(Remember the power of the visual)

Each presentation must include the following:

A) Opening Statement-4 Minutes

B) Presentation of Evidence-5 Minutes

C) Closing Statements-3 Minutes

STEP # 7: Finalize the details and positions of responsibility for your debate issue and be prepared to present your side of the case on the date and time assigned below. Remember, you must adhere to all the stated debate rules and procedures.

STEP # 8: Review the attached readings for all the other debate topics.

For the other nine debates for which you are not an actual debater, you must complete the following:

A) Write three questions for each side (six total) of the of the issues being debated. Your six questions must be turned in at the conclusion of each debate.

B) Be ready to ask your questions during the question and answer period of each debate.

C) Be prepared to judge and decide each of the nine other cases based on how persuasive groups were in formulating and presenting their arguments. Leave your personal opinions outside!!

As usual, your grade will be based on completeness, detail, clarity, depth, organization and creativity. Specifically, we will concentrate on how well you integrate, science, government and economics. You will receive a grade in each of the following areas:

COMMUNICATING INFORMATION:

1 Attempts to communicate information and ideas

2 Communicates information and ideas

3 Communicates quality information and ideas clearly

4 Communicates quality information and ideas clearly and logically

5 Communicates quality information and ideas clearly, logically

and effectively
 

You will also be graded on how well you explain why value positions are

held.

EXPLORING VALUES:

1 Recognize a point of view

2 Describe points of view

3 Describe points of view and attempt to explain why they are held

4 Describe points of view and explain why they are held

5 Describe points of view, explain why they are held and how the may affect each other

Finally, we will evaluate social skills during this activity. You will receive a grade based on:

A) How well you work in groups

B) Your participation level during ALL the debates

C) How well you used research and preparation time.

D) Attention level in class

E) You level of respect and willingness to listen

F) The completeness and depth of the questions that you must write for the nine other debates

G) Common courtesy

SOCIAL SKILLS:

1 Rarely contributes

2 contributes

3 contributes effectively

4 contributes effectively and acts responsibly

5 contributes effectively, acts responsibly and initiates
 

Remember, one of the aspects you will be graded on for this theme will be social skills. This does not only mean working well together in your assigned groups. It also includes participating in discussion, listening, and respecting each others opinions. It is essential that you do not talk out of turn and you provide the speakers with an opportunity to have a productive and interesting debate. This will allow all students equal opportunity to express their viewpoints in a clear and well thought out manner. Just remember--- common courtesy.

FORMAT:

*OPENING STATEMENT- PRO TEAM- 4 MINUTES

*OPENING STATEMENT- CON TEAM- 4MINUTES

*EVIDENCE -PRO TEAM-5 MINUTES

*EVIDENCE- CON TEAM- 5 MINUTES

*CLOSING STATEMENT- PRO TEAM-3 MINUTES

*CLOSING STATEMENT- CON TEAM- 3 MINUTES

*QUESTIONS FROM THE PANEL OF JUDGES-15-MINUTES

*DE-BRIEF/ DISCUSSION-REMAINDER OF THE HOUR