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I blog on Brain-Based Learning, Metacognition, EdTech, and Social-Emotional Learning. I am the author of the Crush School Series of Books, which help students understand how their brains process information and learn. I also wrote The Power of Three: How to Simplify Your Life to Amplify Your Personal and Professional Success, but be warned that it's meant for adults who want to thrive and are comfortable with four letter words.

Climate Change Debate: The Earth Science Intellectual Thunderdome

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Climate Change Debate: The Earth Science Intellectual Thunderdome

$4.00

In this 3- to 4-day lesson, designed for a high school Earth and Space Science classroom, student groups are assigned and investigate 4 leading solutions to the climate change crisis our planet is experiencing. Then, they are called upon to debate against each other to try to convince others that their solution is the most viable and provide counterarguments against other solutions. It’s an intellectual thunderdome in which students are encouraged to use science to attacks each others points of view on climate change but not character.

Why and how does this learning strategy work?

Rote memorization out; seeking answers and deeper learning in.

The debate-style approach to learning is engaging and motivating for learners, because they are challenged to use real evidence and their wits to outmaneuver their opposition.

Not only do they act as investigators, developing communication, collaboration, and argumentation skills but they learn about viable solutions to the climate change conundrum we all find ourselves in. They learn Earth and Space Science content while investigating and debating solutions to a real-world phenomenon, which is what the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) call for.

Student Learning and Performance Objectives:

  1. Research multiple, complex climate change solutions to discover that the world is more complicated than a single TikTok trend.

  2. Articulate scientific arguments with actual evidence.

  3. Listen to opposing viewpoints, to hone "social awareness" skills.

  4. Realize that climate change solutions are multi-faceted, messy, and require more than just good vibes.

  5. Describe and support with, not mere belief but actual evidence, the leading climate solutions proposed by, not the coven of online witches but the scientific community.

What's included:

  1. 24 slides that introduce, explain, and guide the teacher and students

  2. Detailed teacher notes on prep, main lesson, and follow up activities

  3. General Lesson flow for teacher to follow to make it all seamless

  4. A short and funny “hook” to increase student buy in

  5. Detailed student directions

  6. A list (research starter pack) of links to legit, scientific websites for students to use.

  7. Group roles (team jobs) with descriptions of what each entails.

  8. 4 climate change solutions to assign to 4 different student groups

  9. Student Learning and Performance Objectives

  10. Detailed Grading Rubric to guide students and make assessment easy

  11. Debate Day introduction and format description

  12. Follow up discussion questions (reflection and debrief)

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