How to Host a Debate in Your Science Classroom
Post by Michelle Bogden
Originally Posted: July 12, 2023
Updated: April 2024
Imagine a classroom buzzing with excitement as students engage in intellectual battles, passionately defending their scientific viewpoints. Science debates breathe life into scientific concepts, transforming the learning experience into a dynamic arena of ideas and exploration. In this post, we unravel the secrets to hosting a science debate for your classroom, a free resource to get you started, plus an example from my classroom covering GMOs and genetics.
Why Scientific Argumentation?
Scientific argumentation holds a crucial place in the science classroom! By encouraging students to construct, evaluate, and communicate scientific explanations, it prompts active engagement with scientific concepts. Through this process, students develop the ability to analyze evidence, consider alternative explanations, and articulate their ideas persuasively. Scientific argumentation also prepares students for real-world applications by mirroring the practices of scientific research and fostering a scientific mindset. This empowers students to become active participants in the scientific community and equips them with essential skills for lifelong learning and informed decision-making.
Some learning goals you can target with a science debate, which align with NGSS science and engineering practices:
Critical thinking and communication
Deepen understanding of scientific concepts
Analyzing and interpreting data
Constructing scientific explanations
Engaging in argument from evidence
Format of a Classroom Debate
To ensure a successful debate experience, it is crucial to provide students with a clear format that guides their participation. While the format can be flexible, here's how I run a debate in my classroom:
Opening Statement Presenter (1 Student ~2 min): Begin with an impactful introductory statement, presenting the main arguments that set the stage for the debate.
Topic Presenters (3 students ~6 min): Allocate time for three designated presenters who articulate the team's three main arguments. Each presenter should provide compelling details and evidence to support their claims, meticulously substantiating points A, B, and C.
Rebuttal Presenters (2 students ~4 min): Assign two students as rebuttal presenters who are responsible for addressing the arguments presented by the opposing team. These presenters should actively listen and take notes during the opposing team's arguments, employing specific information to skillfully disprove their claims.
Closing Statement Presenter (1 student ~2 min): Conclude the debate with a persuasive closing statement delivered by one student, summarizing the team's main arguments and reinforcing their position.
By implementing this well-structured format, students can confidently express their viewpoints, engage in respectful discourse, and refine their critical thinking skills. The suggested template encourages thorough preparation, active listening, and thoughtful responses, fostering an environment that nurtures intellectual growth and stimulates a genuine passion for knowledge.
Grab the Freebie
Want to try a debate in your classroom? Download the freebie here and keep reading for an example of a recent debate I hosted in my science class!
Classroom Debate: GMOs vs Non-GMOs
Let's take a look at a classroom debate in action - using the topic of GMOs in our GMO STEM Unit + Classroom Debate
Topic 1: Pro GMOs
You believe that humans have been genetically manipulating our food supply for generations, so modern genetic manipulation should be perfectly safe and is necessary for the future.
Topic 2: Against GMOs
You believe that the modern methods of genetic manipulation of the world's food supply are potentially dangerous and that only natural alternatives should be relied upon.
Here is how I structured this debate in my classroom:
Debate Topics - Discuss the 2 debate topics and provide resources.
Debate Groups - Divide students into groups of 6-7, deliberately assigning each group a specific topic (For or Against GMOs). Regardless of personal opinions, students must stick with the assigned topic, fostering critical thinking and perspective-taking.
Debate Research - Students use guiding questions to help focus their research. Research can be extended longer, and students can use a notebook to record more facts about their topic.
Debate Planning - Once research is complete, students collaborate within their groups to plan their debate strategies. Each group member should be assigned a role and brainstorm several ideas to present during the debate. This planning phase ensures that students feel confident and prepared to articulate their viewpoints effectively.
Debate Sequence:
Depending on the number of students, multiple rounds of debates can be organized. Begin with two groups (one advocating for GMOs, the other against GMOs) and assign specific time limits for each segment. The remaining students serve as the engaged audience, observing silently. Teams will alternate as they move through the format.
Opening Statement: For GMOs
Opening Statement: Against GMOs
Present Main Points: For GMOs
Present Main Points: Against GMOs
Rebuttal Statements: For GMOs
Rebuttal Statements: Against GMOs
Closing Statements For GMOs
Closing Statements Against GMOs
6. Debate Debrief - Conclude the debate with a reflective debrief session. Encourage students from both the audience and debate teams to share their thoughts, likes, dislikes, and level of confidence during the process. Prompt-focused questions, such as personal opinions on GMOs after considering both sides, identifying pros and cons, and assessing the overall impact of the debate experience.
Classroom Setup
There are many ways to set up the classroom for a successful debate here is our suggestion:
By carefully orchestrating the classroom debate, educators create an environment that nurtures critical thinking, research skills, and respectful discourse. The debate offers students an opportunity to explore various perspectives, articulate their ideas persuasively, and deepen their understanding of complex scientific topics. So, let the classroom transformations begin as we embark on an enlightening journey exploring the fascinating realm of GMOs and non-GMOs through engaging debate!
