Lesson Plan 1: Debating Controversial Science Topics

Lesson Outline: 1. Engage (10 minutes) a. Show a video clip of a controversial science topic, such as genetically modified organisms (GMOs) or climate change. b. Ask students to share their initial thoughts and opinions on the topic.

1. Explore (20 minutes) a. Divide students into small groups and provide each group with a worksheet that includes different arguments for and against the controversial science topic. b. In their groups, students discuss and analyze the arguments, identifying evidence and logical reasoning used to support each side. c. Each group selects one argument to present to the class.

2. Explain (10 minutes) a. Facilitate a class discussion on the relationship between the scientific process and the issues of scientific advancement. b. Guide students to understand how scientific advancements can lead to ethical, social, political, and economic implications.

3. Elaborate (20 minutes) a. Divide students into two teams for a debate on the controversial science topic. b. Each team prepares arguments and evidence to support their assigned position (for or against the topic). c. During the debate, students present their arguments and engage in a respectful discussion.

4. Evaluate (10 minutes) a. Assess students’ ability to structure arguments and utilize evidence and logical reasoning during the debate. b. Use a rubric to evaluate their performance and provide feedback.

Questioning: 1. What is your initial opinion on the controversial science topic? 2. How can evidence and logical reasoning strengthen your arguments? 3. How does the scientific process relate to the issues of scientific advancement? 4. What are the ethical, social, political, and economic implications of scientific advancements?

Assessment: - Rubric for evaluating students’ performance during the debate. - Worksheet analysis to assess students’ ability to identify evidence and logical reasoning.

Differentiation: - Provide additional support for struggling students by assigning them to mixed-ability groups. - Offer extension activities for advanced students, such as researching and presenting case studies related to the controversial science topic.

Plenary: - Summarize the key points discussed during the debate. - Reflect on the importance of considering social, political, economic, and ethical issues in scientific advancements. - Encourage students to continue exploring and forming informed opinions on controversial science topics.

Video Resource: - “The GMO Debate: One Student’s Perspective” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7TmcXYp8xu4)

Worksheet Resource: - “Debating Controversial Science Topics Worksheet” (link to worksheet)

Lesson Plan 2: Continuing the Debates on Controversial Science Topics

Lesson Outline: 1. Engage (10 minutes) a. Show a different video clip of a controversial science topic, such as stem cell research or artificial intelligence. b. Ask students to share their initial thoughts and opinions on the new topic.

1. Explore (20 minutes) a. Divide students into new small groups and provide each group with a different worksheet that includes arguments for and against the new controversial science topic. b. In their groups, students discuss and analyze the arguments, identifying evidence and logical reasoning used to support each side. c. Each group selects one argument to present to the class.

2. Explain (10 minutes) a. Facilitate a class discussion on the relationship between the scientific process and the issues of scientific advancement, focusing on the new controversial science topic. b. Guide students to understand how scientific advancements in this specific area can have ethical, social, political, and economic implications.

3. Elaborate (20 minutes) a. Divide students into two new teams for a debate on the new controversial science topic. b. Each team prepares arguments and evidence to support their assigned position (for or against the topic). c. During the debate, students present their arguments and engage in a respectful discussion.

4. Evaluate (10 minutes) a. Assess students’ ability to structure arguments and utilize evidence and logical reasoning during the debate. b. Use a rubric to evaluate their performance and provide feedback.

Questioning: 1. How does your opinion on the new controversial science topic differ from the previous one? 2. How can evidence and logical reasoning strengthen your arguments in this new debate? 3. What are the ethical, social, political, and economic implications specific to this controversial science topic?

Assessment: - Rubric for evaluating students’ performance during the debate. - Worksheet analysis to assess students’ ability to identify evidence and logical reasoning.

Differentiation: - Provide additional support for struggling students by assigning them to mixed-ability groups. - Offer extension activities for advanced students, such as researching and presenting real-life examples related to the new controversial science topic.

Plenary: - Summarize the key points discussed during the debate on the new controversial science topic. - Reflect on the importance of considering social, political, economic, and ethical issues in scientific advancements across different areas. - Encourage students to continue exploring and forming informed opinions on controversial science topics.

Video Resource: - “The Ethics of Artificial Intelligence” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TRzBk_KuIaM)

Worksheet Resource: - “Debating Controversial Science Topics Worksheet 2” (link to worksheet)