SNC 2D1: Tissues, Organs and Systems of Living Things Culminating Task
Classroom Debate and Supported Opinion Paper
Ethical issues in Biology
Science is exciting because it is always changing. New technology is being created and innovative
concepts are being put forth every day! As science advances, debate is sparked. Individuals with
varying opinions come forward either supporting new technology, opposing it, or a mixture of both.
Debate may be heated as individuals express their views about a particular topic.
Ethical issues surround each of the four topics we will explore and it is a challenge to decide which ‘side’
should prevail.
Classroom Debate
As a class we are going to conduct several debates.
Students will be divided into groups and assigned one side of the following arguments.
Topic 1:
The citizens of Canada should be allowed to donate organs, tissues & cells
(e.g. kidney, eggs, sperm) for money.
Topic 2:
Xenotransplantation (transplanting animal parts to people) of live tissue/organs should be
allowed in Canada.
Topic 3:
Human cloning (consider reproductive & therapeutic) should be allowed in
Canada.
Topic 4:
GMO’s (genetically modified organisms) should be labeled in Canada.
The above topics are quite broad.
It is your responsibility as a group to investigate the issue and develop your own ideas. You will be
evaluated individually so be sure to prepare accordingly.
Think critically and anticipate the arguments of your opponents to prepare yourself for a rebuttal
(response to the other team’s argument).
The debates will take place on
and
.
Please refer to the Class Debate Rubric (next page) for evaluation criteria.
Classroom debates are exercises designed to allow you to strengthen your skills in the areas of leadership,
team building, group problem solving, and oral presentation.
This is also an opportunity for you to get creative; you can play the role of a scientist, doctor, patient,
lawyer, etc. in order to strengthen your position.
Remember that in a debate your passion and knowledge are important.
You must try and convince the opposing team, the audience and the adjudicator (judge) that your stance is
the best choice.
You will also submit a Supported Opinion Paper as part of this culminating task for biology.
Please refer to the attached Supported Opinion Paper Rubric and assignment details.
The Supported Opinion Paper is due on
.
Class Debate Rubric
Student Name: ____________________________________
Total
/35
Topic: ___________________________________________
Category
4
3
2
1
Are you
knowledgeable
about the
topic?
The individual
clearly
understood the
topic in-depth
and presented
their
information
forcefully and
convincingly.
The individual
generally
understood the
topic and
presented their
information with
ease.
The individual
seemed to
understand some
of the main
points of the
topic and
presented those
with ease.
The individual
showed a limited
understanding of
the topic and/or
had difficultly
presenting their
information.
Most information
presented in the
debate was clear,
accurate and
thorough.
Some information
presented in the
debate was clear
and accurate.
Information had
several
inaccuracies or
was usually not
clear.
All arguments
were clearly tied
to an idea
(premise) and
organized in a
tight, logical
fashion.
Most arguments
were clearly tied
to an idea
(premise) and
organized in a
tight, logical
fashion.
Some arguments
were clearly tied
to an idea
(premise) and
organized in a
somewhat logical
fashion.
Arguments were
not clearly tied
to an idea
(premise) and had
minimal
organization.
Individual
consistently
used gestures,
eye contact, tone
of voice and
level of
enthusiasm in a
way that kept the
attention of the
audience.
Individual
usually used
gestures, eye
contact, tone of
voice and level
of enthusiasm in
a way that kept
the attention of
the audience.
Individual
sometimes used
gestures, eye
contact, tone of
voice and level
of enthusiasm in
a way that kept
the attention of
the audience.
Individual had a
presentation
style that did
not keep the
attention o the
audience.
All statements,
body language and
responses were
respectful and
appropriate in
language.
Most statements,
body language and
responses were
respectful and
appropriate in
language.
Some statements,
body language and
responses were
respectful and
appropriate in
language.
Statements,
responses and/or
body language
were
consistently not
respectful.
Have you
gathered
sufficient
information?
/10
Are your
arguments
clearly laid
out? Are you
prepared for a
rebuttal?
All information
presented in the
debate was clear,
accurate and
thorough.
/10
Are you able to
articulate your
ideas fluently?
/10
Are you able to
present your
ideas
effectively
while taking
into account
the ideas of
your peers?
/5
Supported Opinion Paper
By participating and watching the debates, you will have learned a lot of new knowledge
concerning various issues surrounding technological advancements in science. Along with the
debate, you will be communicating your new knowledge through a supported opinion paper. You
may choose one of the topics presented in the debates. (It does not have to be the one you
were assigned, although this might be the one you know the most about!)
Use the template/models for paragraph construction provided to write your paper.
Due date:
Supported Opinion Paper Rubric
Student Name: ___________________________________________
Topic:
Total
/35
_________________________________________________
Category
4
3
2
1
Position
Statement
The position
statement provides
a clear, strong
statement of the
student’s position
on the topic.
The position
statement provides
a clear, statement
of the student’s
position on the
topic.
A position
statement is
present, but does
not make the
student’s position
clear.
There is no
position
statement.
Evidence and
Examples
All of the evidence
and examples are
specific, relevant
and explanations
are given to show
how each piece of
evidence supports
the student’s
position.
Most of the
evidence and
examples are
specific, relevant
and explanations
are given to show
how each piece of
evidence supports
the student’s
position.
At least one of the
pieces of evidence
and examples is
relevant and has an
explanation that
shows how that
piece of evidence
supports the
student’s
position.
Evidence and
examples are NOT
relevant and/or are
not explained.
Accuracy
All supportive
facts and
statistics are
reported
accurately.
Most supportive
facts and
statistics are
reported
accurately.
Some supportive
facts and
statistics are
reported
accurately.
Many supportive
facts and
statistics are
reported
inaccurately.
Student uses many
useful Transitions
and Linking
Expressions
throughout the
paper, as well as
scientific
terminology where
appropriate.
Student uses
sufficient useful
Transitions and
Linking
Expressions
throughout the
paper, as well as
scientific
terminology where
appropriate.
Student uses some
useful Transitions
and Linking
Expressions
throughout the
paper, as well as
scientific
terminology where
appropriate.
Student uses few or
no useful
Transitions and
Linking
Expressions and
limited or no
scientific
terminology
throughout the
paper.
All sources used
for quotes,
statistics and
facts are credible
and cited
correctly.
Most sources used
for quotes,
statistics and
facts are credible
and most are cited
correctly.
Some sources used
for quotes,
statistics and
facts are credible
and some are cited
correctly.
Many sources are
not credible and/or
not cited
correctly.
/5
/20
Mechanics
/5
Sources
A reference list
is required.
/5
Period 1
Topic 1: The citizens of Canada should be allowed to donate organs, tissues & cells (e.g.
Kidney, eggs, sperm) for money.
Team 1: Pro
Robyn
Erin S
Lydia
Nicole T
Topic 2:
Xenotransplantation of live tissue/organs should be allowed in Canada.
Team 1: Pro
Ana
Anika
Blake O
Naomi
Topic 3:
Team 2: Con
Jackson
Kristen
Acacia
Annie
Human cloning (consider reproductive & therapeutic) should be allowed in Canada.
Team 1: Pro
Katie
Meghan
Blake W
Marina
Topic 4:
Team 2: Con
Hannah
David
Julia
Colin
Team 2: Con
Anwyn
Taylor
Eric
Ally
GMO’s (genetically modified organisms) should be labeled in Canada.
Team 1: Pro
Erin W
Rebecca
Shawn
Team 2: Con
Caitlin
Maddy
Stuart
Period 2
Topic 1: The citizens of Canada should be allowed to donate organs, tissues & cells (e.g.
kidney, eggs, sperm) for money.
Team 1: Pro
Team 2: Con
Brenan
Amanda
Katie
Jordan
Delaney
Cameron
Bailey
Debbie
Topic 2:
Xenotransplantation of live tissue/organs should be allowed in Canada.
Team 1: Pro
Team 2: Con
Connor
Billy
Jaclyn
Regan
Jake
Ashleigh
Tana
Chris
Topic 3:
Human cloning (consider reproductive & therapeutic) should be allowed in Canada.
Team 1: Pro
Team 2: Con
Eryn
Nantes
Sarah
Jenna
Frances
Russell
Topic 4:
GMO’s (genetically modified organisms) should be labeled in Canada.
Team 1: Pro
Team 2: Con
Shanawqua
Megan
Ryan
Josie
Jessica
Katie H
Victor