The Pros and Cons of Innovation

 Project Objectives – Students will...

• research PRO and CON positions on a technological topic in history

• clearly and constructively support both of those positions in a research paper

• analyze/prioritize arguments with a group in support of one side of their ethical issue

• work with group partners to create professional, well-designed presentation slides

• give a convincing and professional public presentation of their assigned position on the issue

Project Description

For this project, each students will be assigned a topic to research concerning the ethics of technology in history.  See the Project Topic Page for the list of the specific topics.  

Each student will write a paper of a minimum of 1000 words on their assigned topic and will present points supporting both sides of the ethical issue with factual information and statistical data whenever possible.  See the Research Paper Assignment page for more details and examples of factual information and statistical data.

After individual papers have been submitted, students will be assigned to a PRO or CON group at their local school.  The group will work together to decide the most important points supporting their side.  Group members will design and present 1 to 2 presentation slides each, in conjunction with the group assigned to the opposite position.  In other words, PROS will present along with CONS on a particular topic.  While this project might have the appearance of a debate, the presentation is more about making a coordinated effort to present both sides of an issue well.