Opposing Viewpoints in Context
Marijuana Legalization Lesson Plans
Activities:
1. Mini Debate Activity: Legalizing Marijuana (high school)
A. Students will write for a few minutes about their own opinion regarding legalization
of marijuana. They will also consider the opposite side. What reasons might people
offer for the opposing view?
B. Have students discuss what a pro/con debate of this issue might look like:
a. Reasons for legalizing marijuana
b. Reasons against legalizing marijuana
c. How would they argue
d. What would each side say
e. Would the debate be able to definitively answer the question
C. Divide the class into 6 groups where each group plays the role of one of the following
individuals or groups: parent, law enforcement, cancer patient, drug dealer, doctor for
legalization, doctor against legalization
D. With their assigned ‘persona’ have each group answer the following questions:
a. Would this group in general be for or against legalization?
b. What would be this groups’ position?
c. Why? What particular values and concerns do they have in relation to the
debate?
E. Each group will list their work on a large chart or the board so students can view all
the various positions.
F. Discuss findings and highlight major distinctions. How do the groups’ values and
interests inform their position?
2. Consider the Source Activity (middle school)
a. Discuss the difference between fact and opinion with the students
b. Have students share different sources of information they receive every day
(books, friends, TV, radio, etc.)
c. Have them comment on reliability of information from their various sources of
information and why they have that opinion
d. Share the activity sheet “Consider the Source”
e. Students are to complete the questions on the activity and write a short essay
response to the “Think It Through” question at the end of the activity.
3. Research and Oral Discussion Activity (high school)
a. Begin the lesson with a group discussion
b. Break class into 3 groups and assign research
c. Have individuals share their research findings with their group
d. Each group will create a short summary of their findings
e. Compare and Contrast – groups will share with the rest of the class their findings
and the point of view their research leaned towards
f. End with a cumulative class discussion regarding the pros and cons of legalizing
marijuana
Projects:
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Public Awareness Campaign-Should marijuana Be Legalized? (High School Activity)
Making A Brochure - Should Marijuana Be Legalized? (Middle School Activity)
Oral Survey – Should Marijuana Be Legalized? (Middle School Activity)
Write a Persuasive Essay – Should Marijuana Be Legalized? (High School Activity)
Project Directions:
Public Awareness Campaign – Should Marijuana Be Legalized?
a. Have an oral brainstorming session with students to identify issues on both sides of
the question.
b. Have students read, watch, listen to the various articles, podcasts, videos, etc.
c. Student will pick a side of the issue to support
d. Student will identify at least three points that support their position
e. Student will create a product/campaign that addresses the issue from their point of
view
f. A bibliography will be created to document sources of information.
Make a Brochure – Should Marijuana Be Legalized?
a. Have an oral brainstorming session with students to identify issues on both sides
of the question.
b. Have students read, watch, listen to the various articles, podcasts, videos, etc.
c. Student will pick a side of the issue to support
d. Student will identify at least three points that support their position
e. Student will create a tri-fold brochure that has at least three sections including
facts supporting their position, and is attractive and well organized. Graphics will
be included to support the text.
f. A bibliography will be created to document sources of information.
Oral Survey Activity: Should the medical and recreational use of marijuana be
legalized? (middle school)
a. Survey 3 people in each of the following age groups: 14-19, 20-40, 41-65.
Document for each person interviewed why they were selected, the time set up for
the oral survey, and share with the interviewee why the student wanted to do the
survey.
b. Ask the following questions:
1. Do you feel marijuana should be legalized for medical and recreational use?
2. If not, do you feel marijuana should be legalized for medical only use?
3. What is your reasoning for your position?
c. Write the responses of the people surveyed in note format, but maintain focus on
the person being interviewed.
d. Tally the survey results and write a summary for each question based on the
results, making the information clear and interesting.
Write a Persuasive Essay – Should Marijuana Be Legalized?
a. Have students read, watch, listen to the various articles, podcasts, videos, etc.
b. Student will pick a side of the issue to support
c. Student will identify a minimum of three points that support their position
d. Essay shall include an introductory attention grabber statement or paragraph.
e. Essay shall include a position statement and thesis statement.
f. Each point shall be supported with evidence and examples
g. All supportive facts and statistics are reported accurately
h. There is a strong conclusion to the essay
i. A bibliography is included to cite all sources, quotes and statistics used in the essay
Assessments for Projects:
1. Public Awareness Campaign Evaluation Rubric
2. Making a Brochure Evaluation Rubric
3. Oral Survey Rubric
4. Write a Persuasive Essay Rubric