The Great Energy Debate

Students,
This week you will be debating the pros and cons of solar and wind power. Your debate will allow the decision making committee to decide whether or not we will use one or both of these forms of energy. You will have a new mission with this energy debate. Your groups will each be assigned a position for the debate. Within your groups, you must have the following positions:

1.) Lead Researchers- The lead researchers assigns each group member a portion of the topic on which they will be the expert. This group member will come up with their portion of the argument to give to the Presenters.

2.) The Presenters- The presenters will present all of the groups findings as well as be the designated mouthpieces for their group. Only the presenters are allowed to speak during the debate.

3.) Information Officers- The Information Officers is the only person allowed to ask questions to the teacher. If anyone else in the group that is not the information officer asks the teacher for clarification or resources, the group will be docked points going into the debate.

4.) The Compilers- The Compilers will gather all of the research from each group member and work with the Presenters to put together a well thought out position speech for their group.

You may have no more than two people for each position in the group. Once you have decided who will fill what role, have an Information Officer tell Ms. Smith who is in what role before you continue your research. You will have on class period to research your topic(s) and prepare the best presentation as well as refutation as possible. You will then be given one class period to debate the topic and convince the committee of your findings and position. The group who is most convincing will win the debate as well as extra credit on this assignment. Below you will find the grading rubric for the assignment.

Rubric

Group Assignments

Group 1: Decision Making and Reporting- You are responsible for making the final decision on these forms of energy. You must research both topics for pros and cons, listen to the entire debate and write a short 1-2 page article on the pros and cons of the energy source as well as your decision, and how you came to that decision.

Group 2: You will discuss the Con or Negative- You are responsible for researching each topic for the negatives of these types of energy. The best debaters know to anticipate their opponents arguments, so be able to look at the topics from both sides in order to create a well thought out position.

Group 3: You will discuss the Pro or Positive- You are responsible for researching each topic for the positives of these types of energy. Again, the best debaters know to anticipate their opponents arguments, so be able to look at the topics from both sides and create a well thought out position.

You may only use the following resources:

Solar Thermal
Solar Photovoltaic 1
Solar Photovoltaic 2
Wind
Popsci

If you have any questions during this process, please send up one of your information officers to ask Ms. Smith for clarification. Good Luck and happy debating.

Ms. Smith