1.
Agenda
1) Warmup- 10 min
2) Video Discussion – 10 min
3) Introduction to Debating – 35 min
4) Prep for Practice Debates – 10 min
5) Practice Debates – 40 min
Next Tuesday: You will have graded debates in
class. You will be given the rubric on Friday and
also some time to prepare. This will be worth 75
points.

2.
Warm-up
Write in your notebooks. You do not have to write
the questions.
1. What were your impressions of the children,
parents, and families in the video?
2. What are some ways that you think we could
combat child obesity in America?
Your last project for 8th
grade will be to conduct a
group science experiment.
3. Think of 2 questions that you have about the
world that you would like to try to answer through
an experiment.

3.
Video Discussion
Think-Pair-Share your thoughts/responses to
these questions for the next 3 min. We will come
back as a class to discuss.
1. What was your reaction to the video?
2. Do you think the parents did a good job feeding
their child?
3. Whose responsibility do you think it is to make
sure kids are eating healthy?

4.
Debate Topics
In this week and next, we will hold debates to
develop critical thinking skills.
Today's debate topics:
1) Should government stop the building of fast
food restaurants in areas with high obesity rates?
2) Should all schools in America ban junk food
and vending machines?
Note: Your sides will be chosen for you

5.
Debate Introduction
Fill out your worksheet with the parts in green as
we go through the slides.

6.
A debate is: a regulated discussion of a
proposition (idea) between two sides

7.
A debate MUST: back up statements with strong
arguments

8.
The Opening Statements. 1 minute.
In the opening statement, you present what you will be
talking about. You also outline the points that you will
be making, and often use a strong sentence to explain
why your argument is stronger.

9.
2. Argument Round 1. 3 minutes.
In this first argument, you will present 1­3 points that
support your side of the debate. You expand on these
points to present a persuasive argument.

10.
3. Rebuttal. 1 minute.
In the rebuttal, the other group has a chance to answer,
argue, or respond to points in the other group's
argument.

11.
4. Argument Round 2. 3 minutes
In the second argument, you will present 1­3 more
points that support your side of the debate or use the
time to answer the opponent's rebuttals.

12.
5. Rebuttal. 1 minute.
You will get a chance to give a rebuttal to the second
round of arguments as well.

13.
6. Closing Statements. 1 minute.
In the closing statement, you will summarize your
main points and have a “bottom line” that will strongly
end your debate.

14.
Group 1 Group 2
1. Opening Statement
3. Argument Round 1
6. Rebuttal
8. Rebuttal
9. Argument Round 2
12. Closing Statement
2. Opening Statement
4. Rebuttal
5. Argument Round 1
7. Argument Round 2
10. Rebuttal
11. Closing Statement

15.
As you observe the debates...
We will read the worksheet on the back that the
observing groups will be completing.

16.
Rules
Rules:
1) No attacks or offensive remarks
2) Arguments must be on the topic
3) Only one person will speak at a time
Consequences:
1) 1st
offense: removed from the activity
2) 2nd
offense: removed from next week's activity
& assigned other work

17.
Debate in Action: President
Obama and Governor Romney

18.
Topics
Government SHOULD stop fast food restaurants
from opening in high-obesity areas.
Group 1
vs.
Government should NOT stop fast food
restaurants from opening in high-obesity areas
Group 3

19.
Topics
Schools should BAN junk food and vending
machines
Group 4
vs
Schools should NOT ban junk food and vending
machines
Group 6

20.
You have 10 minutes to get in your groups and
start planning your 6 segments. You may get up
and move around during this time.
Mr. Lee will facilitate all timing for the debates. He
will raise his hand when 5 seconds are left.