Grade Level: 9-12
Everyone Has
An Opinion! Cultural Values and the Economy
Developed by: Maine
Council for the Social Studies
Grade Level: 9-12
The MLR performance indicators listed below are for illustrative purposes. Depending on the focus of the lessons as developed by individual teachers, these indicators may or may not be addressed. Conversely this is not a definitive listing of all of the performance indicators which could be addressed in this lesson.
MLR - Secondary: Economics: C-1; English/Language Arts: A-1, A-2, A-7, A-8, A-9, A-11; C-1; D-2, D-3, D-5, D-7; E-2, E-3, E-4; F-1, F-2, F-3; G-6, G-7, G-8, G-9, G-10; H-4, H-5, H-6, H-7, H-8, H-9
Task Description
Students should select roles for any of the following debates. Their first responsibility is to create a “personage,” a viewpoint from which each will argue. Students might select one viewpoint in one debate and the other in the next. Allow sufficient time for research in the library and the internet.
Student Product/Performance
The beginning of each debate should have a series of introductions, so each hears the perspectives of the others who will be participating. After introductions students will have the opportunity to present their information. “Points” may be scored for making a point pertinent to the discussion, responding positively, keeping the debate on topic and impersonal.
Topics represent several recent questions in Maine.
Tax Dollars and the Land for Maine’s Future Board
Clearcutting in the Allagash v. Great Northern
Plum Creek land sales v. Irving Oil Corporation
Public access and taking land off the tax rolls
Moving a factory into town
The power company wants to dam the river
WalMart and RiteAid want to build in your town
Resources
State Planning Office (Sprawl, Land For Maine's Future, etc.)
Criteria for Evaluation
Students should follow directions, their presentations should be organized and easy to follow, be complete, students should speak clearly, have good eye contact and stay on topic.