Student Handouts
Ad Hominem Arguments
Give your class a lesson in logical reasoning. This worksheet, which focuses on ad hominem arguments, goes step by step through an example. After examining the argument, learners assess a second conversation for ad hominem arguments...
Curated OER
Environmental Action
Middle schoolers debate one another. In this pollution instructional activity, pupils work in teams to debate which is more serious, air or water pollution. They research their topic to come up with valid points to justify their side of...
Curated OER
Lights Out on Broadway
How do you write arguments that articulate the views of opposing sides? Through concentrated research, investigation, and critical analysis, leaners become more knowledgable on the opposing argument. The class fills in a KWL graphic...
Curated OER
World War I and Its Aftermath
Students examine World War I and its consequences. For this World War I lesson, students watch the Discovery video "World War I and Its Aftermath." Students then research how nationalism contributed to the spread of the war...
Curated OER
Battle of The Pantheons
Students will investigate the Greek Mythology of gods and goddesses. This is a large unit and a mind map will be developed. An essential question will be answered to encourage students to develop higher thinking skills.
Curated OER
Marvelous Manatees
Two groups consider whether or not the Florida manatee will become extinct during their lifetimes. They research manatee populations and statistics together and then a class debate is held. Afterwards they consider how reliable...
Curated OER
TB - Lusitania Day (1916)
Students, after brainstorming all the different types of propaganda, explore, analyze and study the nature, origin and purpose of propaganda and how its aims are achieved. They assess how the sinking of the Lusitania was manipulated by...
Curated OER
World War II: The Pacific
Students explore the events in the pacific during World War II. In this World War II lesson plan, students use reference material to access information about significant locations in the War. Student debate the use of the atomic bomb to...
Curated OER
Should Fitness Be Mandatory?
Students examine a website for viewpoints on fitness as a legal issue. They form positions on communal responsibility vs. personal freedoms and present to the class their positions.
Curated OER
It's Debatable!
Students examine the basic elements and vocabulary of debating. They research an issue and write a letter to the editor of the local newspaper, and role-play a Parliamentary debate on a particular bill.
Curated OER
Population Diversity And Human Rights
High schoolers explore the concept of economic sanctions. In this population diversity and human rights lesson, students examine how the United States uses economic sanctions to support or prohibit international activities. High...
Curated OER
Debate on Ratification: Should We Ratify the New Constitution?
Students determine whether the Constitution should be ratified. In this U.S. Constitution instructional activity, students research the roles of famous Federalists and Antifederalists in order to prepare them to participate in a...
Curated OER
Debate On Ratification
Students simulate a delegate that was responsible for the Constitution. They research their arguments, and stage a debate in front of the state's legislature (the class). The class then vote whether or not to ratify the new Constitution.
Sacramento State Masters of Educational Technology
Tuck Everlasting: Debate Activity
Use Tuck Everlasting as a springboard for a debate on big ideas about immortality and the death penalty. Take a week for research and debate by following the steps outlined in this plan. Tapping into technology for help, small groups...
Curated OER
Birds
Students study birds and examine the idea that they evolved from reptiles or dinosaurs. In this birds lesson students divide into groups and research one side of the debate, then at the end have the students debate each-other.
Curated OER
Charge and Defeat
Students discuss traditional tools used by historians and archaeologists. They conduct a debate on the advantages and disadvantages of rewriting the past and discuss which side of the debate has the strongest case.
Curated OER
Unit on International Law and Organizations
Students participate in a debate between internationalists and the rights of sovereign nations. They read interviews and role play one of the sides in a mock interview.
Curated OER
Borders Within: Social Interaction on the Border
Students analyze social interaction, racism, and prejudice on the border through exploration of their own experiences.
Other
Debate Central: Learn About Debating
This web site has debate information on how to debate, how to judge, how to coach, how to be a better speaker and how to research.
Online Writing Lab at Purdue University
Purdue University Owl: Organizing Your Argument
This Purdue University OWL (Online Writing Lab) explains how to organize information in an argumentative essay. Several examples are provided to show how each piece of evidence is elaborated.
Other
Grinnell College: Reblesky: Debate Guidelines
This set of debate guidelines includes information on debate format as well as preparing for a debate. It uses a computer science class debate prompt.