Name: ______________________
Block:_________
Date:____________
Farmer Talking Points
Imagine you are a typical corn farmer here in Virginia. In order to remain competitive with your
peers you utilize standard fertilizers and pesticides, and grow genetically modified crops. Organize
your thoughts and viewpoints on the following topics. Try to consider your opponents responses and
how you can counteract their arguments.
What are the benefits/ costs of using fertilizers and pesticides for growing corn?
What specific fertilizers and pesticides do you use? What kind of impact do they have on the
surrounding ecosystems? *Reminder you are in favor of these fertilizers and pesticides. Can you
talk about them positively?
How has using genetically modified crops impacted the success rate of your crop yields? Have other
organisms on your farm been impacted by the use of these crops?
What are some of the potential costs/ benefits of using genetically modified crops?
Are more sustainable farming methods, such as organic farms, cost effective for you?
Some potential resources
https://www.livestrong.com/article/139831-the-effects-fertilizers-pesticides/
https://pennstatelaw.psu.edu/_file/aglaw/Impacts_of_Genetically_Modified.pdf
Name: ______________________
Block:_________
Date:____________
Ecologist (Farmer Counter Argument) Talking Points
Imagine you are an ecologist doing a field study regarding the impact of modern farming practices
on crops and nearby terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Among the practices you researched, you
have found that the use of fertilizers and pesticides, as well as genetically modified crops have
greatly impacted the species that live within the crops own ecosystem as well as the surrounding
area. Organize your thoughts and viewpoints on the following topics. Try to consider your opponents
responses and how you can counteract their arguments.
What are the benefits/ costs of using fertilizers and pesticides in commercialized crops?
How do fertilizers and pesticides impact nearby terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems? What animals
specifically are impacted? (Consider the nitrogen cycle in your response)
What are some of the fears regarding the use of both fertilizers and genetically modified crops?
(Consider the possibilities of “superweeds” and “superbugs”)
What are some of the potential costs/ benefits of using genetically modified crops?
Is the long term impact of genetically modified crops well known? What research has been
conducted regarding their overall impact so far?
Some potential resources
https://www.livestrong.com/article/139831-the-effects-fertilizers-pesticides/
https://pennstatelaw.psu.edu/_file/aglaw/Impacts_of_Genetically_Modified.pdf
Name: ______________________
Block:_________
Date:____________
Corporation Talking Points
Imagine you are members of the board of directors for a large scale commercial paper
company. There are many regulations regarding how you can harvest and produce paper pulp
products, however it is also important that you keep your production costs down and your
profit margins high. Organize your thoughts and viewpoints on the following topics. Try to
consider your opponents responses and how you can counteract their arguments.
Where are the trees that you use for your paper products grown? Is it sustainable? Is it cost
effective?
How does cutting down trees impact the ecosystems they are part of? What species are likely to be
impacted? How do you ensure their safety?
What kinds of pollutants are released during the manufacturing of paper products? How do they
impact the biotic factors of the surrounding ecosystems? How do you lessen their impact?
How are environmental protection standards impacting your profit margins? How expensive
is it to comply with these standards in reducing pollutants?
Are CO2 emissions a consequence of your manufacturing process? (Consider the carbon
cycle, more specifically related to combustion)
Have you considered outsourcing your labor to regions with less strict environmental
standards?
Some potential resources:
https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5910b6723a041193b95b8189/t/59247ce66b8f5bac8400a
287/1495563496041/How+Are+Trees+Grown+for+Paper.pdf
https://www.nibusinessinfo.co.uk/content/paper-manufacturing-and-air-pollution
Name: ______________________
Block:_________
Date:____________
Ecologist (Corporation Counter Argument)
Imagine you are an ecologist doing a field study regarding the impact of paper product
manufacturing on the environment. Through your research you have gathered information regarding
the processes of tree harvesting and paper pulp production and how they impact local ecosystems.
Organize your thoughts and viewpoints on the following topics. Try to consider your opponents
responses and how you can counteract their arguments.
Are the trees used for your paper products grown sustainable?
How does cutting down trees impact the ecosystems they are part of? What species are likely to be
impacted? In What ways?
What kinds of pollutants are released during the manufacturing of paper products? How do they
impact the biotic factors of the surrounding ecosystems?
Are CO2 emissions a consequence of your manufacturing process? (Consider the carbon
cycle, more specifically related to combustion) How do these impact the health of the
biosphere?
Some potential resources:
https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5910b6723a041193b95b8189/t/59247ce66b8f5bac8400a
287/1495563496041/How+Are+Trees+Grown+for+Paper.pdf
https://www.nibusinessinfo.co.uk/content/paper-manufacturing-and-air-pollution