THE GREAT ENERGY DEBATE
Overview:
In this assignment, students will explore and debate current issues surrounding the use of
various energy resources. Students will research and try and convince other students, in the
class, to be in favor of or against the use of the energy resource that they have been assigned.
Objectives:
Students will
 identify sources of energy used in the United States;
 determine advantages and disadvantages of each energy resource;
 identify whether a resource is renewable or nonrenewable; and
 participate in a classroom debate to persuade classmates that their resource should be
used.
Introduction:
The classroom debate is designed to help you strengthen your skills in research, teambuilding,
problem solving, and oral presentation. All group members are expected to participate in the
research, development, and presentation of your debate position. To be properly prepared,
detailed research, note taking, strategizing, and presentation preparation is required.
Each table will be assigned a different energy resource. Energy resources include: biomass,
fossil fuels (petroleum, natural gas, coal and propane), geothermal, hydropower, solar, nuclear
and wind energy. One side of the table will be the advantages of the energy resource and the
other side will be the disadvantages of the energy resource. Your team will debate the other
side of the table to convince your classmates to be either pro or against your resource.
You and your team member will research your energy resource and collect as much information
on the resource. Remember to collect both advantages and disadvantages regardless of the side
you need to present. You will need to know the other side of the debate to know how to counter
or defend your position against the opposing team. The winning side, determined by the class,
will win a FREE HOMEWORK PASS!
Timeline:
Monday – Introduction to the project
Tuesday – Computer Lab to research energy resource, advantages and disadvantages.
Wednesday – Computer Lab to complete research and begin strategy
Thursday – Strategize and finalize information
Friday – Debate
Monday – Complete Debates
Debate Guidelines:
Team members may speak either from their desks or in front of the classroom. Audiovisuals
may be used, but not required, at any time. These include but are not limited to, handouts,
flipcharts, transparencies, power point presentations, etc. The team is not required to use the
allotted time; however, they must stop immediately when the time has run out. Team members
are not allowed to talk except at times provided for them. This includes the audience as well.
During the summary time, no new information may be provided. This is only to emphasize key
points made in the presentation. If new information is provided, the team will lose points. If
the opposing team feels that new information is provided, they may challenge that team and
request a ruling from the teacher.
Opening Statement Presenter:
Presents the main arguments into a strong introductory statement. Does not give specific
information; just says "this is true because of A and B and C." Both sides will present an
opening statement.
1.___________________________________________________________________________
Topic Presenters:
Present the main arguments for the team. Each presenter needs to provide specific details that
prove A and B and C. (2 or 3 main arguments to why your resource should be used) Both
sides will present the topic with specific details.
1.___________________________________________________________________________
2.___________________________________________________________________________
3.___________________________________________________________________________
Rebuttal Presenters:
Answer the arguments of the other team. These presenters must take notes as the other team is
presenting their arguments and respond to every argument, using specific information to
disprove them. (Provide 1 or 2 counter arguments, per point, to disprove or convince your
classmates not to use this resource)
1.___________________________________________________________________________
2.___________________________________________________________________________
Closing Statement Presenter:
Presents the closing arguments for the team. Both sides will present their cases. Remember to
repeat the main idea for the argument, provide evidence that it is the best choice, and have
something to “close the deal” to have students remember your side of the topic.
1.___________________________________________________________________________
Debate Rules
No put downs.
You must raise your hand if it's not your time to speak.
Teams lose 1 point for each interruption.
Teams lose 1 point for whispering while another speaker is talking.
Debate Times
Opening statements for both sides = 3 minutes each
Arguments for both sides = 3 minutes each
Rebuttal conference = 1 minute
Rebuttals = 2 minutes each
Closing statements for both sides = 3 minutes each
Debate Winning Team Selection:
The debate winning team will be selected by the audience and the teacher. Each person will
have an opportunity to vote for the team that presented the best argument for the use of the
resource. Votes are to be based on presentation only and not upon whether you agree or
disagree with the resource used. Each member of the audience will be allowed to cast one
ballot. The team in which the resource has been presented is not allowed to vote, only the
audience. In a case of a tie, the teacher will determine the winning team.
Grading Rubric:
Student Name: __________________________
Team Member: ______________________
Debate Topic: ____________________________________
GRADING
CRITERIA
Opening
Statement
Topic
Presentation
Rebuttal
Closing
Statement
Contribution to
Team
On-Task
Behavior
Pro or Con (circle one)
BELOW AVERAGE
AVERAGE
EXEMPLARY
Opening statement was not
clear, organized, factual,
and irrelevant.
0-5 Points
Topic Presentation
argument did not support
the position, and was not
clearly stated.
Opening statement was not
clear, minimally organized,
some facts presented.
5-10 Points
Topic Presentation argument in
support of its position was not
stated clearly, presented some
relevant facts.
0-5 Points
Rebuttal to opposing side's
argument was not clear,
irrelevant, and not
effective.
0-5 Points
Closing statement was not
stated clearly, was
irrelevant, and did not
effectively summarize the
team's position. Included
new facts.
0-5 Points
Contribution to team was
not evident in preparedness,
effectiveness, and
professionalism in the
debate.
0-10 Points
Off-Task behavior during
research, strategizing, and
presentation was evident
throughout the debate
process.
0-10 Points
5-10 Points
Rebuttal to opposing side's
argument was not clear, some
facts presented, and effective.
Opening statement was
clear, well organized,
factual, and relevant.
10-15 Points
Topic Presentation
argument in support of its
position was stated
clearly, was relevant, and
well informed.
10-15 Points
Rebuttal to opposing
side's argument was clear,
relevant, well informed,
and effective.
10-15 Points
Closing statement was
stated clearly, was
relevant, and effectively
summarized the team's
position.
5-10 Points
Closing statement was not
stated clearly, relevant, and
summarized the team's position.
Some new facts presented
5-10 Points
Contribution to team was
somewhat evident in
preparedness, effectiveness, and
professionalism in the debate.
10-15 Points
On-Task behavior was
sometimes observed during
research, strategizing, and
presentation.
10-15 Points
TOTAL
10-15 Points
Contribution to team was
evident in preparedness,
effectiveness, and
professionalism in the
debate.
15-20 Points
On-Task behavior during
research, strategizing, and
presentation was evident
throughout the debate
process.
15-20 Points
Total Points Earned: ______________
Comments:
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