Ecology Debates Lesson Plan (Direct Instruction)

Teacher:Miss Koshy & Mrs. McKee

Subject/Grade: Biology

Date: Apr. 25 - 29, 2016

Standard: S3.C2.PO3. Support a position on a science or technology issue.

Objective (SWBAT): Debate a genetic related controversial topic by creating a pro and con case.
Sub-objectives, SWBAT (Sequenced from basic to complex):
Research genetic related topic
Follow the debate rules.
Write a pro and con case for the topic.
Evidence of Mastery:
Students will create a pro and con case on one of the selected topics and engage in a debate that
follows etiquette rules and engages in supported arguments, mastery will be shown by earning 85/100.
Key vocabulary: debate, argument, pros, cons, &
crossfire

Materials: projector, PowerPoint, laptops with

internet access, word, Debate structure and
rubric handout, audience member rubric &
stopwatches

Practice Independent Practice Guided l Input Instructiona

Opening/Anticipatory Set: Create a list of 5 ecology related controversial topics; it can be something
found in the news, mentioned in class, or you are interested in.
Teacher Will:
Review how the debate will work. Instruct
students to read through the rubric.

Student Will:
Listen to the debate format and expectations.
Read through the rubric.

Differentiation: Students who have difficulty following and understanding verbal instructions can
be given written instructions to follow along with.
Teacher Will:
Student Will:
Guide students through the process of selecting Participate in the topic selection process.
two ecology related topics.
Differentiation: Students that have difficulty sequencing items in a list can work together to
determine which topics are the best and which should be eliminated.
Teacher Will:
Provide support and suggestions to create pro
and con debate arguments.
Grade students on debate performance.

Student Will:
Create both a pro and con case for the
assigned topic.
Debate assigned pro or con case of topic.

Differentiation: Students that have difficulty writing everything down can use the laptops to create
research document in Google docs or Word.

Closure/Lesson Summary: Debrief of the debates, what went well, what can be improved, and audience
and teacher impressions. Also a winner will be determined based on the criteria mentioned in the
rubric. Students will also get the opportunity to read feedback from the students in the audience.