Middle School Resource

Issues Presentations

In this activity, students work in groups of four. Each group is assigned an issue of concern to the school community. For example; the book bag ban, the dress code, the quality of school lunch food, the need for metal detectors, etc. Group members first agree on the side or stand they will take, then brainstorm the main arguments supporting that stance. They also brainstorm anticipated objections and propose counter arguments. Groups give ten-minute presentations and then field questions from the class.

Related NY State Academic Standards: SL.5.1, SL.5.1.b, SL.5.1.c, and more!

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