The goal of this project is to provide students with the opportunity to do research and develop a stance on an issue with the help of that research.  So the first step is:

 

1.  Read.  Talk about what you read.  Repeat.

The provided research articles are a good place to start your research.  Students should seek out a resource and read it.  Take notes on what you do know, what you don't understand.  Once you've read something, tell your group about it.  Consider whwther the information is important to your group's point-of-view.  Remember that opposing information is powerful in developing counterarguments.

 

2.  Look for yourself.

You are expected to find resources other than those provided for your report.  These resources do not have to be scientific articles, but can be newspaper or magazine articles, blogs, wiki entries, etc. Be sure to read them with the same critical mind as the scientific articles in step 1.

 

Your group should now have a set of resources that provides evidence for their position on the three issues.  The next step is:

 

3.  Write it down.

Provide a brief introduction to your group's role.  Who are you, what are your interests in the turbine installation?  Then address each issue, indicating whether you believe there would be a positive or negative imapct in each case and provide the evidence found in your research.

 

Now that your position has been determined, it is time to turn to the science aspect of the turbines.  Our fictious community is found at 53° 25' N, 117° 34' W.  Using this information:

 

4.  Find data.

Look for wind speed trend data and compare it to the necessary speeds required to effective use of wind turbines.  Is Foothills a suitable location for an installation.  Consider the region within 5 km of Foothills.  If the region is suitable for the installation, what level of energy generation can be expected?  Provide sources for your data and any calculations you have made yourselves.

 

At this point, the report should be complete.  All that is left is:

 

5.  Prepare for the debate.

Decide who will present each issue position.  Each person should then write the position in their own words.  This is the best way to present a convincing argument, as speaking the words of others is often difficult.  Remember you have a very short window of 2-3 minutes to present this information, so be sure to keep to the main points and practice.  Try to not have so much you have to rush, as the audience may become lost.  On the contrary, not having enough information for a sound argument will not convince the audience.  Practice and good listening to each other will lead you to the best balance of content and pace.

 

You are now ready to present your issue positions with confidence and are armed with counterarguments to help sway your opponents to your side of the argument.  Take a deep breath and think about all the great work you've done to get to this point.

 

6.  Debate the issues and hand in your final report!

All your hard work will culminate here.  Your classmates will determine the fate of the Foothills Wind Power Project, all you have to do is present your position to your best ability.  Remember to hand in your final report immediately after the debate.