OBJECTIVE
Students debate with each other over issues relevant to the classroom.

MATERIALS
Anything that could aid in holding a classroom debate (mock podiums, etc.)

• Find a tape of a debate, preferably a former Presidential or Vice-presidential debate.  (Refer to the "Recommended Films" section of the Bibliography.)

• Show parts of the videotaped debate to the class.
• Discuss debate form and etiquette with your class.
• Hold debates in class concerning classroom decisions:
  -  Center the debate around an issue that the students care about and
     will have divided opinions over: What should we play at recess today?, Should we have math
     in the morning or afternoon tomorrow?, etc.
  -  Identify students who want to represent and defend their point of view. 
• Each student debater should present and defend their argument and be prepared to critique other students' arguments.
• Following the debate, have your students vote and decide the issue.
• Implement the results of the vote.

• What is the purpose of holding a debate?
• Are debates an effective way to get information about candidates and issues? Why or why not?
• How were people effective in presenting their point of view during the debate? Why was this effective?
• What can we learn from a debate that we can't learn in other ways?
• How else can we get information before making important decisions?

DOWNLOAD THIS ACTIVITY