Day 4: Is Urban Renewal Beneficial to Society?

Lesson Summary

Are the effects of urban renewal beneficial to society (Yes or No)? 

For this lesson, students will be divided into two designated groups where they will debate the pros and cons of urban renewal. One side will be given the stance of supporting urban renewal while the other side will be against urban renewal. After the debate, the class will participate in a large group discussion about the debate process.

Objectives

Students will be able to justify their stance on urban renewal. 

Students will be able to perform a debate with accurate information and opinions that come from a knowledgeable perspective.

Students will be able to compile evidence about the pros and cons of urban renewal to use comprehensively.

Standards

Social Studies: 6 – G6.1.3 Develop a plan for action: share and discuss findings of research and issue analysis in group discussions and debates. compose a persuasive essay justifying a position with a reasoned argument.

Resource: Debate Worksheet

Teaching Strategy

To start this lesson, the concept of civil discourse will be explained to the students. A debate is a formal discussion where everyone is allowed their time to speak. There will be no talking over people, yelling, or any sort of behavior not found in a professional debate. If needed, we can watch videos of old political debates to get an idea of how students should conduct themselves.

The debate issue will be stated clearly as to avoid confusion. 

Teams will prepare with adequate documents to support and prepare for their stated opinion.

Remind students that they do not have to agree with their assigned stance on the issues 

Students will develop their debates at home as well as in class. 

Illustrations, such as images, can help support their arguments. They will focus on establishing credibility to their position. 

The debate itself will last 1 class period.

Assessment

The manner in which students conduct themselves during the debate will be assessed as well as how they present their points. Having to debate a topic allows the teacher to observe the students' depth of understanding. For example, if a student’s claims are weak and unsupported, that is a clear indication that they do not understand the debate process or the concepts they are debating. The resource worksheet will also be used to assess whether students know how to formulate an argument and see both sides.