Introduction
Hello class! Today we are going to be investigating current issues in the United States. We are going to have a mini debate in class over three themes. The class will be placed in groups and each group will be assigned a theme and a stance, whether they are for or against the argument. As a team you need to learn about the issue and create three reasons why you are for or against it with supporting facts. Also, you will need to choose why the other group would be against your idea and argue why they wrong in the rebuttal. Each group will have to present their stance, state their reasons and support, and also argue a contrary idea.
Remember: even if your personal views don't match whether your group is for or against, the idea is to understand other viewpoints on the issue. Also, we are always respectful to our classmates and raising voices and bad language are not permitted.
Task
Watch the videos and read the links in your groups. Decide which three statements you want to use to argue if you are for or against the issue.
Group 1 and 2: For Death Penalty Vs. Against Death Penalty
https://www.debatingeurope.eu/focus/arguments-death-penalty/#.XaGZb8_7TJw
http://www.bbc.co.uk/ethics/capitalpunishment/for_1.shtml
For:
Against
https://www.amnesty.org/en/what-we-do/death-penalty/
Group 3 and 4: For Guns Vs. Against Guns
For:
https://constitutioncenter.org/interactive-constitution/amendment/amendment-ii
https://www.americas1stfreedom.org/articles/2019/10/8/nebraska-man-arme…
Againt guns
https://www.amnesty.org/en/what-we-do/arms-control/gun-violence/
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/12/18/us/gun-deaths.html
Group 5 and 6: Trump Impeachment
Both:
https://teachingkidsnews.com/2019/10/06/inquiry-to-impeach-trump/
https://www.ft.com/content/d39317d6-b51a-11e8-bbc3-ccd7de085ffe
For:
https://impeachdonaldtrumpnow.org/case-for-impeachment/why-impeachment/
Against:
https://www.whitehouse.gov/trump-administration-accomplishments/
https://www.bostonherald.com/2019/01/05/the-10-best-things-trump-has-done-in-office/
Process
Debate format:
Form and Introduction: 1 minute
State three reasons provided by facts on why your group os for or against the issue.
Rebuttal: After the other group states their three reasons, your group gets one minute to fight one of their reasons. (1minute to talk in group and 1 minute to explain).
Class vote on who wins the debate.
Evaluation
Debate Rubric
Name:
|
4. Distinguished |
3. Proficient |
2. Apprentice |
1. Novice |
|
|
Teamwork- Cooperation: Listens, shares ideas and work, supports team |
Always listened to, shared ideas with, and supported others. Worked consistently for the good of the team. |
Listened to, shared ideas with, and supported the efforts of others. Did not disrupt the group. |
Did not consistently listen to, share ideas with, or support the efforts of others. Made some effort to be a team player. |
Rarely listened to, shared ideas with, or helped other team members. Was not a team player. |
|
Behavior- Participation: Helpful, worked hard, took risks |
Freely shared ideas. Took part in all activities. Completed all assigned work. Took risks and tried new things. |
Completed all assigned work. Shared ideas and took part in all activities. |
Completed most assigned work. Took part in most activities. Was unwilling to try new things or share ideas. |
Completed some assigned work. Took part in few activities. Was unwilling to try new things or share ideas. |
|
Behavior-Follows Instructions: Listens to directions, follows instructions, completes project as assigned |
Paid close attention to instructions and asked clarifying questions. Followed all directions. Project was completed as assigned. |
Paid close attention to instructions. Made a few minor deviations from tasks assigned but successfully completed project. |
Listened to instructions. Followed most directions, but did not complete all tasks. Project was completed. |
Did not follow directions, resulting in an incomplete end product. |
|
Oral Presentation- Clarity: |
Appropriate volume throughout presentation. Varied volume when appropriate. Proper inflection throughout presentation. Spoke clearly and understandably. |
Spoke at an appropriate volume for most of presentation. Good inflection and enunciation. Occasionally sounded monotone. |
Spoke quietly. Increased volume briefly after being asked. Spoke with little inflection. |
Barely audible, even after requests to speak up. No inflection. Sounded bored or uninterested. Paid little attention to proper pronunciation. |
Conclusion
By the end of the lesson, the class will understand important controversial issues that are happening in the U.S. and students will understand the importance of learning about different viewpoints whether they agree or not.