Debate in Science Education

Dakota Access Pipeline

Massachussetts Next Generation Science Standards:

8.MS-ESS3-1. Analyze and interpret data to explain that the Earth's mineral and fossil fuel resources are unevenly distributed as a result of geologic processes.

8.MS-ESS3-5. Examine and interpret data to describe the role that human activities have played in causing the rise in global temperatures over the past century (fossil fuel combustion, deforestation, agricultural activity).

Pre-Debate Activities:

Fossil Fuels Slideshow
Oil Spill Lab
Dakota Access Pipeline Research
Post-Research Class Discussion, Q & A
Evaluate Research, Form an Opinion
Choose a Moderator, Write Questions
Choose a Debate Stance
Meet with Teams, Create Opening/Closing Statements
Transfer Research to Notecards
Create "For/Against" Cards

Oil Spill Lab

Standing Rock

Fossil Fuels

Guiding Questions on Research:

Do you think the Dakota Access Pipeline construction should be halted or completed? Why?
Is completing the pipeline — or stopping the pipeline — necessarily a win-lose situation?
Is there a compromise solution that might please both protesters and pipeline supporters?
If not, is there a resolution that at least might be deemed fair and equitable considering all of the circumstances?

Resources:

The View From Two Sides of the Standing Rock Front LinesFor months, Mekasi Horinek and Deputy Jon Moll have lived the pipeline protests in North Dakota. But they fall on opposite sides, reflecting a community as divided as oil and water.

North Dakota Oil Pipeline Battle: Who’s Fighting and WhyA look at how the fight over the Dakota Access pipeline has become an environmental and cultural flash point, drawing thousands of protesters to rural North Dakota.

Neighbors Say North Dakota Pipeline Protests Disrupt Lives and LivelihoodsRanchers and residents in the conservative, overwhelmingly white countryside view the demonstrations with a mix of frustration and fear, reflecting the deep cultural divides and racial attitudes.

‘I Want to Win Someday’: Tribes Make Stand Against PipelineSome of the Native Americans protesting in North Dakota speak of lost lands and broken treaties. They hope this fight will have a happier outcome.

Opinion | Taking a Stand at Standing RockMy Sioux tribe opposes a pipeline that risks the clean water of millions.

Debate Day:

Debate Guidelines
Opening Statements
Moderator Questions Opposing Sides
Teacher Observes, Grades Using Rubric
Closing Statements
Post-Debate Reflections (Homework)

Debate Guidelines

Teacher Reflection:

I wish I had...

Allotted more time for in-depth research.
Assigned a stance to each student.
Provided more practice/examples with abstract representations of values.
Added a written component in addition to the other media component.
Allowed time for students to present post-debate feedback.
Provided more specific guidelines for quoting sources.

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