Elaborate: 20 minutes
Take a Stand
You will provide students with a statement to which they will either agree or disagree. Assign a side of the room that will represent “agree” and a side of the room that will represent “disagree”. Explain there is no middle ground, thus the title – Take a Stand.
Let students know you will be asking to students to share why they chose the side they did as well as provide strong evidence for their agreement or disagreement.
If you have never done this before with your students it can be like pulling teeth, but after using this type of tool you will find it has strengthen your student’s ability to think critically, support their claims with evidence, as well as build their confidence.
*Important Note* This activity should reflect a zero tolerance atmosphere. Students should feel free to share their voice without penalty or criticism from the class.
Statements
Choose one or more of the following statements.
- The politics of global warming inhibit our nation from truly safeguarding communities from the impacts of climate change.
- The majority of politicians do not believe climate change is a priority issue.
- Superstorm Sandy was a fluke and not the result of a changing climate.
- 1 meter of sea level rise will have an impact on islands and coastal communities.
- Human actions have made severe weather more intense.