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Lesson Plan

The Great Debate: The Reintroduction of Gray Wolves (Grades 3-5)

Grade Level
3 - 5
Purpose

Students discover multiple perspectives concerning the reintroduction of gray wolves into the wild by researching pros and cons and participating in a debate. Grades 3-5

Estimated Time
7-10 hours
Materials Needed

Engage:

Activity 1: Debate Basics

Activity 2: Debate Research - Contentions

Activity 3: Constructive Speech

  • Debate Packet
  • Debate Speech Cards (copy the Google Slideshow for each student to type and print cards) or Debate Speech Cards PDF (print 1 copy per student to write on), print on colored cardstock (1 color for Constructive Speech cards and a different color for Rebuttal Speech cards)
  • Example of completed speech cards for teacher reference
  • Hole punch
  • 1-inch metal binder rings, 1 per student

Activity 4: Debate Research - Rebuttals

  • Debate Packet
  • Gray Wolf Reintroduction Debate Research Sources

Activity 5: Rebuttal Speech

  • Debate Packet
  • Debate Speech Cards
  • Hole punch

Activity 6: Practice Debate

Activity 7: The Great Debate

  • Debate Flowchart, 1 per student
  • Debate Rubric, pack of 1 per student being judged per judge
  • Debate Hand Signals
  • Debate Room Setup
  • Timers
  • Participant and volunteer recognitions (e.g., certificates, awards, thank you notes, treats, etc.)
  • Debate Big Think
Vocabulary

affirmative : the debate team or competitor who argues in favor of adopting the resolution

apex predator: a predator at the top of the food chain that does not have any natural predators

biodiversity: diversity among and within plant and animal species in an environment

carnivore: an animal that feeds on animal matter

conservation: a careful preservation and protection of something

constructive speech: the first speech given by each debater (both teams), in a round, used to build a case

contention: debate claims made for or against the resolution

ecological balance: the balance between living organisms such as humans, plants, and animals and their environment

endangered: (of a species) seriously at risk of extinction

Endangered Species Act (ESA): provides a framework to conserve and protect endangered and threatened species and their habitats both domestically and abroad

eradicate: to rid of completely

habitat: the natural home or environment of an animal, plant, or other organism

habitat fragmentation: when parts of a habitat are destroyed, leaving behind smaller unconnected areas

herbivore: an animal that feeds on plants

livestock: farm animals (such as cows, horses, and pigs) that are kept, raised, and used by people

mammal: a warm-blooded vertebrate animal distinguished by the possession of hair or fur, the secretion of milk by females for the nourishment of the young, and (typically) the birth of live young

negative: the debate team or competitor who argues against the resolution

predator: an animal that naturally preys on others

prey: an animal that is caught and killed by another animal for food

rebuttal speech: debate speech that refutes arguments of the opposing team

refutation: directly attacking the opposing debate teams' arguments

resolution: the proposition or subject offered to debate

riparian area: a space between the land and the waterway ideally filled with native grass, bushes and trees

stakeholder: a person with an interest or concern in something

ungulate: a hoofed mammal

viewpoint: a position or perspective from which something is considered or evaluated

Background Agricultural Connections

Gray Wolves

Gray wolves are large, carnivorous mammals that can adapt to a variety of habitats, including forests, tundras, deserts, and grasslands. Adult gray wolves weigh between 60-130 pounds and are about 26-32 inches tall at the shoulder. Males are generally larger than females. They have long legs, a narrow chest, and large paws, that help them travel long distances. Gray wolves are highly social animals that live in packs ranging from two to over twenty wolves.

Gray wolves are apex predators with a diet primarily consisting of large ungulates such as deer, elk, moose, and caribou. They also eat smaller mammals, birds, and occasionally fruits and vegetables. Wolves hunt in packs using their numbers and coordinated strategies to bring down prey much larger than themselves. They rely on their keen senses of smell, hearing, and sight to track and capture prey.

Gray wolves, once widespread across North America, were listed as endangered in the United States under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) in 1974 due to habitat loss, hunting, and government-sponsored eradication programs. This classification provided federal protection and led to conservation and recovery efforts.

With the goals of restoring ecological balance, enhancing biodiversity, and destabilizing predator-prey dynamics, 31 gray wolves from Canada were released into Yellowstone National Park and central Idaho in 1995. The reintroduced wolf populations in the Northern Rockies have grown and expanded their range. Reintroduction programs have also been initiated in other regions, such as the Great Lakes, Pacific Northwest, and most recently, Colorado.

Stakeholders Affected by the Reintroduction of Gray Wolves

The reintroduction of gray wolves affects a wide range of stakeholders with different viewpoints including:

  • Ranchers and Farmers 
    Livestock owners are directly affected by wolf predation on cattle, sheep, and other animals. This can lead to economic losses, increased stress, and the need for compensation programs and protective measures.
  • Tourism Industry
    Local economies, particularly in areas like Yellowstone National Park, benefit from increased tourism due to wolf-watching opportunities. Wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, and researchers contribute to economic activity. 
  • Local Communities
    Rural and agricultural communities near wolf habitats experience changes in their daily lives, including potential threats to livestock and pets, which can lead to fear and opposition to wolf reintroduction.
  • Conservationists and Environmentalists
    These groups often support wolf reintroduction due to its ecological benefits and its role in restoring natural ecosystems. They may be involved in advocacy, education, and funding efforts.
  • General Public
    Public perceptions of wolves can be mixed, influenced by cultural attitudes, media representation, and personal experiences. 
  • Government Agencies
    Agencies responsible for wildlife management, such as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and state wildlife departments, play a crucial role in planning, implementing, and monitoring wolf reintroduction programs. They also manage compensation programs for livestock loss.
  • Policymakers
    Local, state, and federal policymakers are involved in creating and enforcing regulations related to wolf reintroduction and protection. Legal battles over the status of wolves under the ESA can be significant.
  • Scientists and Researchers
    Ecologists, biologists, and other researchers study the impacts of wolf reintroduction on ecosystems, providing valuable data that informs management practices and conservation strategies.
  • Wildlife Enthusiasts
    Ecotourists, wildlife watchers, and photographers are drawn to areas where wolves have been reintroduced, enhancing recreational opportunities and contributing to local economies.
  • Outdoor Recreationists
    Hunters, hikers, and other outdoor enthusiasts may experience changes in wildlife dynamics and recreational opportunities due to the presence of wolves.

The status of gray wolves under the ESA has been contentious, with multiple legal battles over delisting and relisting them as endangered or threatened species. Their status continues to be a point of legal and political debate.

Arguments in Favor of the Reintroduction of Gray Wolves:

  • Wolves help regulate the populations of large herbivores such as deer and elk, which prevents overgrazing. This allows vegetation to recover and supports a diverse array of other species, including beavers, birds, and fish, contributing to a more balanced and diverse ecosystem.
  • Reduced herbivore pressure on streamside vegetation helps improve riparian habitats. This can lead to better water quality, reduced soil erosion, and enhanced habitats for fish and amphibians.
  • Wolves help control the populations of smaller predators such as coyotes, which can lead to an increase in the populations of small mammals and ground-nesting birds.
  • The presence of wolves attracts tourists, particularly to national parks like Yellowstone. Wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, and researchers contribute to local economies through tourism-related spending on lodging, food, and other services. Wolves enrich the wildlife viewing experience for park visitors and nature enthusiasts, contributing to a deeper appreciation for natural ecosystems.
  • The reintroduction of wolves provides opportunities for scientific research and environmental education. This can lead to increased funding and awareness for conservation initiatives.
  • Wolves are a keystone species and their return symbolizes the restoration of natural ecosystems to their historical state. This has cultural and intrinsic value, reflecting a commitment to preserving biodiversity and natural heritage.
  • Reintroducing wolves addresses past wrongs related to human-led eradication efforts. It reflects a societal move towards ethical stewardship of the environment and recognition of the intrinsic value of wildlife.
  • The reintroduction of apex predators like wolves has led to more comprehensive and holistic ecosystem management practices, promoting the health of entire ecosystems rather than focusing on individual species.

Arguments Against the Reintroduction of Gray Wolves:

  • Wolves can prey on livestock, causing economic losses for ranchers and farmers. Although compensation programs exist, they may not cover the losses or the emotional impact on livestock owners.
  • Implementing and maintaining wolf reintroduction programs, including monitoring, management, and compensation for livestock losses, can be costly for government agencies and conservation organizations.
  • The presence of wolves near human settlements can lead to conflicts, particularly when wolves prey on pets or encroach on residential areas, causing fear and safety concerns among local communities.
  • Some rural and agricultural communities strongly oppose wolf reintroduction due to threats to their livelihoods and lifestyles. This opposition can lead to tensions and conflicts between different stakeholder groups.
  • Wolves can reduce populations of other predators, such as coyotes, through direct competition and predation. This can alter the balance of local ecosystems and affect other species that rely on these predators.
  • The presence of wolves may have unforeseen and complex ecological effects, such as changes in prey populations and behaviors that may not always be beneficial.
  • The legal status of wolves, including protections under the ESA, has been a contentious issue. Decisions to delist or relist wolves can lead to lengthy legal battles and fluctuating management policies, creating uncertainty and frustration among stakeholders.
  • Funding and resources allocated to wolf reintroduction programs may divert attention and resources away from other conservation priorities, potentially neglecting other species or ecosystems in need of protection.
  • Finding and maintaining sustainable habitats for wolves can be challenging due to habitat fragmentation, human development, and land-use changes. Ensuring connectivity between habitats is crucial for the long-term success of wolf populations.
  • Effective monitoring and management of reintroduced wolf populations requires significant effort and coordination. Ensuring that wolf populations remain healthy and do not negatively impact other species or human interests can be complex and demanding.

Benefits of Engaging in Debates

Engaging in debates equips students with a wide range of skills that are beneficial for their overall development and future success:

  • Critical Thinking
    Debates encourage students to analyze different sides of an issue, enhancing their ability to think critically and make informed decisions. It also helps them assess the validity of arguments and evidence.
  • Communication Skills
    Debating improves students' public speaking skills and helps them learn to articulate their thoughts clearly and concisely.
  • Research Skills
    Students learn to gather relevant information and evidence to support their arguments and to evaluate the credibility and reliability of different sources.
  • Collaboration and Teamwork
    Debating in teams teaches students to work collaboratively, share responsibilities, and support each other. Students learn to listen to their teammates and opponents, fostering better understanding and respect for different viewpoints.
  • Confidence
    Successfully participating in debates boosts students' confidence in their ability to express their ideas and opinions.
  • Empathy and Understanding
    Debating requires students to understand and articulate viewpoints that may differ from their own, promoting empathy and an appreciation of the complexity of certain issues and the existence of multiple perspectives. It fosters respect for diverse opinions and encourages open-mindedness.
  • Civic Engagement
    Instills an interest in social issues and the importance of active participation in discussions.
  • Organizational Skills
    Develops the ability to structure thoughts and evidence and present them in a clear and logical manner.

Basic Debate Format

The debate begins with a resolution. For this lesson the resolution is, "Be it resolved that gray wolves be reintroduced into the wild." Each side of the debate (affirmative—in favor of the resolution and negative—against the resolution) is represented by a team of two students. Each student gives a three-minute constructive speech in which they present three contentions with evidence that supports their side of the debate. After all constructive speeches have been heard, there is a two minute prep time for the teams to organize their rebuttal speeches. Each student gives a two-minute rebuttal speech in which they refute three of the contentions presented by the opposing team. (Example of completed cards for teacher reference) The following schedule is used to organize the debate:

  1. 1st Affirmative Constructive Speech (3 minutes)
  2. 1st Negative Constructive Speech (3 minutes)
  3. 2nd Affirmative Constructive Speech (3 minutes)
  4. 2nd Negative Constructive Speech (3 minutes)
  5. Prep Time (2 minutes)
  6. 1st Negative Rebuttal Speech (2 minutes)
  7. 1st Affirmative Rebuttal Speech (2 minutes)
  8. 2nd Negative Rebuttal Speech (2 minutes)
  9. 2nd Affirmative Rebuttal Speech (2 minutes)

The Debate Rubric is used to score the debate participants.

Engage
  1. Show the students the Gray Wolf Image and share the information from the Gray Wolves Information Sheet.
  2. Explain to the class that some people want to reintroduce gray wolves into the wild. Write  "For" and "Against" on the board. Ask the students to raise their hands if they think gray wolves should be reintroduced. Count the number of students and write the number under "For." Ask the students who are against reintroduction to raise their hands. Write the number under "against."
  3. Write the numbers 1-6 on a beach ball with a marker. Stand in the middle of the room and hold the ball up for the students to see. Without rotating the ball, ask students in various parts of the room which number(s) they can see. For example, ask a student on the left side of the classroom what number they see, followed by the same question to a student on the right side of the room and so on. Each student will see all or part of different numbers.
  4. Ask, "Why, if you are all looking at the same object, a ball, are you seeing different numbers?" Explain that it is because each person has a different "point of view." Each student sees different numbers from their point of view. They may see an entire number or part of a number. There will be some numbers they do not see at all.
  5. Discuss the importance of looking at the viewpoints of others when considering real-world issues like the reintroduction of gray wolves. Resolving issues and evaluating situations requires that we look at the viewpoints of others to arrive at workable solutions, to form realistic conclusions, or to make our own evidence-based decisions.
  6. Explain to the students that a stakeholder is a person with an interest or concern in something. There are several different stakeholders who are interested or concerned in the reintroduction of gray wolves issue and they have different viewpoints.
  7. Place Stakeholder Number Signs in different locations around the room. Hand out a Number Card to each student and ask them to go to the sign that matches their number. After all students have been grouped, have them turn their sign around to discover which stakeholder their group represents. After reading their card, have the groups share with the class which stakeholder they are, what their viewpoint is, and whether they are for or against the reintroduction of gray wolves.
  8. Discuss the importance of considering multiple viewpoints when deciding your stance on an issue. Use the following questions to guide the discussion:
    • Were there any viewpoints you hadn't considered when originally deciding whether you were for or against the reintroduction of gray wolves?
    • Did anyone change their stance?
  9. For the second time, ask the students to raise their hands if they think gray wolves should be reintroduced. Tally their responses.
  10. Explain to the class that they will be preparing for and participating in a debate about whether or not gray wolves should be reintroduced into the wild.
Explore and Explain

Activity 1: Debate Basics

  1. Use the Introduction to Debate slideshow to introduce the basics of debate. Provide each student with a Debate Packet. As you go through the slides, have the students write definitions for the vocabulary words (bolded in the lesson procedures) on their Debate Vocabulary activity sheet (page 1 of the packet).
  2. Slide 2: Debate is a structured discussion, often with a moderator and an audience, in which the  participants discuss a topic from two opposing sides.
  3. Slide 3: A resolution is the topic that will be debated. One team will be in favor of the resolution and the other team will be against the resolution. The resolution for our debate is, "Be it proposed that gray wolves be reintroduced into the wild."
  4. Slide 4: The team in favor of the resolution is called the Affirmative Team. The team against the resolution is called the Negative Team.
  5. Slide 5: Each team will present two different types of speeches during the debate.
    • The first speech is called the Constructive Speech. The Constructive Speech is the first speech given by each debater, used to build a case. In this speech, you will make three claims that support your side of the debate and give evidence (facts, statistics, expert testimony, and/or examples) to support each claim. These claims are called contentions. This speech is written before the debate competition and is read word for word. You have three minutes to give your Constructive Speech. Constructive speeches are given in the following order (the order of speeches can also be found on page 2 of the packet):
      • 1st Affirmative
      • 1st Negative
      • 2nd Affirmative
      • 2nd Negative
    • The second speech is called the Rebuttal Speech. A Rebuttal Speech is a speech given by each debater, used to refute arguments of the opposing team. Refute means to directly attack the arguments of the opposing team. You will prepare several different refutation cards in anticipation of what the opposing team might say during their Constructive Speech. Once you've heard their Constructive Speech, you will work with your teammate, during the two-minute preparation time, to organize your cards to create your Rebuttal Speech. You have two minutes to give your Rebuttal Speech. Rebuttal Speeches are given in the following order:
      • 1st Negative
      • 1st Affirmative
      • 2nd Negative
      • 2nd Affirmative
  6. Slide 6: The Debate Rubric (page 3 of the packet) is used to score debate participants. The rubric outlines expectations in the areas of presentation, information, rebuttal, evidence, organization, and confidence. It is helpful to keep these expectations in mind when preparing for the debate.
  7. Slide 7: Hand signals (page 4 of the packet) are used to help debaters know how much time is left when they are giving their speeches. There are signals for 2 minutes left, 1 minute left, 30 seconds left, and the last 5 seconds.
  8. Play the Debate Vocabulary Kahoot! to review key vocabulary.

Activity 2: Debate Research - Contentions

  1. Place two large poster papers up in the front of the classroom. Label one poster "Pros" and the other poster "Cons." Ask the students, "What are some pros (advantages) and cons (disadvantages) of gray wolf reintroduction?" Record their ideas on the posters.
  2. Provide each student with a copy of the Back to the Wild article and direct them to the Pros & Cons graphic organizer (page 5 of the Debate Packet). Have them read the article and record the pros and cons on their graphic organizer.
  3. Watch one or all of the following videos and have students add to their Pros & Cons graphic organizer.
  4. Discuss the pros and cons that the students added to their graphic organizers and add them to the class posters. (Keep the posters as they will be referred to later in the lesson.)
  5. Provide each student with a Debate Team Ballot and instruct them to fill it out based on which side of the debate they'd prefer to argue. Clarify that they may not get their preference. In some debate tournaments, you don't even know which side you are going to argue until the event begins. A good debater can successfully argue from either side regardless of their personal opinions.
  6. Organize the students into teams of two and assign each team a side—affirmative or negative—with an equal number of affirmative and negative teams, if possible. (If you have an odd number of students, you may need to make one team of three students. See Instructions for Teams of Three.)
  7. Have each person find Research Notes: Contentions 1-3 on pages 6-8 of their packet. Explain that each team will choose and research six different contentions that support their side of the debate, three contentions per person. Have the teams work together to choose their six contentions and determine who will research which contention. Have the students refer to the pros and cons posters and their pros and cons graphic organizer when choosing contentions.
  8. After each teammate has chosen their contentions, they should write them out as complete statements on their research notes. For example, "Wolves help prevent overgrazing." or "Wolves prey on livestock."
  9. Provide the students with access to a computer and the Gray Wolf Reintroduction Debate Research Sources link. Explain that they are now ready to research their contentions by looking for evidence to support their claims. Evidence can include facts, statistics, expert testimony, and/or examples. Be sure to include the source of the evidence (author, book, article, website, etc.) in the research notes.

Activity 3: Constructive Speech

  1. Provide each student with a link to the Debate Speech Cards (copy the Google Slideshow for each student to type and print cards) or a copy of the Debate Speech Cards PDF (print 1 copy per student to write on).
  2. Remind the class that each Constructive Speech should be three minutes long.
  3. Refer to page 9 of the packet and explain to the students that a constructive speech should include the following:
    1. Introduction:
      • Hook (attention getter)
      • Greet the audience and judges
      • Introduce yourself 
      • Explain which side of the debate you are on (affirmative or negative)
      • State whether you agree or disagree with the resolution (include the resolution in this statement)
      • Present your three contentions
    2. Contentions: 
      • Restate Contention 1 and provide support for the claim in the form of evidence and reasoning (be sure to cite sources)
      • Repeat for Contention 2
      • Repeat for Contention 3
    3. Conclusion: 
      • Summarize your main claims 
      • Restate your position on the resolution
      • Thank the audience and judges for listening
  4. Provide time for the students to use their notes to create the Constructive Speech and type or write their speech onto the Debate Speech Cards. Extra cards are provided if they need additional room for their evidence.
  5. Have the students cut out each card for their Constructive Speech, punch holes in the top left corner of the cards, and attach them together in order with a binder ring. 

Activity 4: Debate Research - Rebuttals

  1. Direct the students to the Research Notes: Rebuttals on pages 10-14 of their Debate Packet. Explain that they will not know the opposing team's contentions until the Constructive Speeches are given during the debates. To prepare for their Rebuttal Speech, they will need to work with their partner to think of all the possible contentions the opposing team might use. They will then prepare cards for each of the possible contentions, on which they will make arguments against the opposing team's claims. Then, after listening to the opposing team's Constructive Speeches (during the preparation time), they can choose the cards that match the contentions and put them together to make their Rebuttal Speech.
  2. Have the students refer to the pros and cons posters and their pros and cons graphic organizer to come up with contentions to refute and determine who will research which contention to find evidence to challenge, criticize, or find fault with the claim. Remind the students that during the debate they will only have two minutes to organize their Rebuttal Speech. The more refutations they prepare ahead of time, the better. The teams should split the refutations so that each teammate researches half.
  3. After each teammate has chosen their contentions to refute, they should write them out as complete statements on their research notes under the heading "Rebuttal for."
  4. Provide the students with access to a computer and the Gray Wolf Reintroduction Debate Research Sources link. Clarify that instead of looking for evidence to support the claim, they are looking for evidence against the claim. Be sure to include the source of the evidence (author, book, article, website, etc.) in the research notes.

Activity 5: Rebuttal Speech

  1. Have the students access the link to or the printout of the Debate Speech Cards.
  2. Refer to page 15 of the packet and explain that a Rebuttal Speech should include the following:
    • Rebuttals
      • State the opposing team's contention you are refuting and provide evidence against their claim.
      • Repeat for Rebuttal 2
      • Repeat for Rebuttal 3
    • Conclusion
      • Restate your position on the resolution
      • Thank the audience and judges for listening
  3. Provide time for the students to type or write their rebuttals onto the Debate Speech Cards
  4. Have the students cut out each card for their Rebuttal Speech, punch holes in the top left corner of the cards, and attach them behind the Constructive Speech cards on their binder ring.
  5. Remind the students that they have prepared several different refutation cards in anticipation of what the opposing team might say during their Constructive Speech. Once they've heard the opposing team's Constructive Speech, they will work with their teammate, during the two-minute preparation time, to find the cards that refute the contentions the other team used and organize the cards to create their Rebuttal Speech. 
  6. Clarify that it is possible the opposing team will use a contention that they are not prepared for. In that case, there might be evidence from their other cards that could be used to refute the claim or they might have to "wing it." This is the exciting part of debate! 

Activity 6: Practice Debate

  1. Ask the students to raise their hands if they have ever experienced stage fright. Allow some volunteers to share their experiences.
  2. Show the Stage Fright video.
  3. Explain that it is normal to feel nervous before speaking in front of an audience. Even expert public speakers experience stage fright. Following some public speaking tips will help you feel and look more confident.
  4. Direct students to the Public Speaking Tips (page 16 of the Debate Packet). Discuss and model the following tips:
    1. Hook the Audience:
      • You have 10 seconds to grab the attention of your audience
      • Use rhetorical questions or interesting facts
    2. Body Language:
      • Stand tall and confident
      • Feet shoulder width apart and still (avoid swaying)
      • Shoulders back (but not too far!)
      • Head up
      • Make eye contact with the judges and audience (or look at their forehead if eye contact makes you nervous)
      • Use gestures to make important points
      • Smile!
    3. Speak Clearly:
      • Enunciate
      • Be expressive
      • Be energetic
      • Vary pitch, volume, and speed
    4. Manage Nervousness:
      • Deep breathing
      • Positive self-talk
      • Visualization
    5. Accept Imperfection:
      • It's okay and normal to make mistakes during your speech
      • Ignore the mistake and keep going
      • Pausing, restarting, reacting, or apologizing will draw unnecessary attention to the mistake
    6. Pay Attention to Timing:
      • Watch for hand signals
      • Identify when you are talking too slowly or too quickly
      • Adjust your pace to ensure you finish within the allotted time
    7. Practice, Practice, Practice!:
      • Practice in front of a mirror, your family, your friends, your stuffed animals, or record a video
      • The more you practice, the more confident you will feel!
  5. Direct students to the Debate Flowchart (page 17 of the packet). Explain that the flowchart is used during the debate to take notes about the opposing team's speeches. It's important to record the contentions from the Constructive Speeches so you can organize the Rebuttal Speeches with your teammate. 
  6. Point out the spaces to record the opposing team's contentions. There is a space for the three contentions from each of the opposing team's Constructive Speeches. 
  7. Set up the room to match the Debate Room Setup diagram.
  8. Pair teams up (affirmative and negative) and have them debate each other. Follow the Order of Speeches (page 2 of the Debate Packet) and use the Debate Hand Signals (page 4). (Depending on how many debate teams you have, you may want to divide the parctice debates into two or more days.)
  9. During the practice debate, the students should practice their public speaking skills, use their debate speech cards to give their speeches, and use the Debate Flowchart to take notes.
  10. Use the Debate Rubric to provide feedback to the debaters.

Activity 7: The Great Debate Event

  1. Prior to the debate, identify when the event will be held (e.g., during the school day, a special evening event, etc.) and where (keep in mind that several debates will need to take place at the same time in separate rooms).
  2. Invite judges and timekeepers to help with the debate event (e.g., volunteers from the high school debate club, community, teachers/staff, etc.).
  3. Consider inviting parents to attend the event.
  4. Prepare recognitions to hand out to participants (e.g., certificates, awards, etc.) and volunteers (e.g., thank you notes, treats, etc.) at the end of the event.
  5. Pair teams up (affirmative and negative) to debate each other and create a schedule with room assignments.
  6. Set the rooms up to match the Debate Room Setup diagram.
  7. Give judges copies of the Debate Rubric to provide feedback to the debaters. Provide timekeepers with a copy of the Debate Hand Signals and a timer.
  8. Follow the Order of Speeches (page 2 of the Debate Packet) and use the Debate Hand Signals (page 4).
  9. During the debate, the students should practice their public speaking skills, use their debate speech cards to give their speeches, and use the Debate Flowchart to take notes. 
  10. After the event, have the students review the Debate Rubric completed by the judges and reflect on their experience by completing the Debate Big Think.
Elaborate
Evaluate

After conducting these activities, review and summarize the following key points:

  • Gray wolves are large, carnivorous mammals, with a diet primarily consisting of large ungulates (hooved animals).
  • Gray wolves were listed as endangered in the United States in 1974.
  • Gray wolf reintroduction programs have been initiated in Yellowstone National Park, Idaho, the Great Lakes, the Pacific Northwest, and Colorado.
  • The reintroduction of gray wolves affects a variety of different stakeholders with differing viewpoints.
  • It is important to look at the viewpoints of others when considering issues like the reintroduction of gray wolves.
  • A debate is a structured discussion, often with a moderator and an audience, in which the participants discuss a topic from two opposing sides.
Author
Lynn Wallin
Organization
National Center for Agricultural Literacy
Powered by the National Agricultural Literacy Curriculum Matrix (agclassroom.org)