Learning Intention:

To engage in the process of scientific knowledge used in a community-based dilemma. Actively participate in a respectful debate that aims evaluate a scenario and come to a conclusion.

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Student Activity:

In this activity you will be partaking in a debate. You will be split into 4 groups by your teacher. Each group has a different role and differing views on the scenario. You will base your arguments, questions and information on these perspectives. To begin get into your groups and use the information pertaining to your group below to begin brainstorming ideas and arguments that will benefit your point of view.

You will have 10 minutes to research and come up with your arguments and knowledge base. Each group will then have 3 minutes to speak and give their introductions, thoughts and arguments. After all groups have spoken, there will be a question round facilitated by the council members. In the final round the building company and animal activists will have 2 minutes each to rebut the opposing arguments. The council members will then conclude on whether to go ahead with the plan or not.

Each student is expected to speak at least once. Make sure to read the description of your group and work accordingly. Each group will need to write down their ideas on a sheet of paper.

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Resources:

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Environmental activists (Against)

You are part of a group called Power for owls, it works to protect owls and their habitat. You are against the building of properties as it would destroy the habitat of the owls.

• Why the owls are important in that area?

• What effects will it have on local food chains?

• Why do the owls need that space?

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Building company (For)

You are the board of directors for a large building company contracted to build housing estates. You want to develop the woodland into a housing estate.

• Is there a need for houses?

• What are the benefits of new housing on the community?

• What is the benefit for the company?

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Council Worker (Mediator)

You work for the city council that encompasses the woodland. It is your job to decide whether the development process proceeds. You must weigh up the options of all stakeholders and conclude as to what would be best for this community.

• Is there an option to build the houses without destroying the owl’s habitat?

• What is more important to the community?

• What precedent is set by each option being successful?

 

[Question round prompts]

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Scientist (Neutral)

It is your job to provide facts and figures on your research in the woodland and the local community. You must remain unbiased but present information that could be used by either party.

• What evidence can be presented in favour of the owls?

• What evidence can be presented in favour of building?

• Why is it important for you to stay unbiased?

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Science as a human endeavour.

Science and technology contribute to finding solutions to a range of contemporary issues; these solutions may impact on other areas of society and involve ethical considerations (VCSSU090)

Biological Sciences.

Interactions between organisms can be described in terms of food chains and food webs and can be affected by human activity (VCSSU093)

- researching examples of human impacts on specific ecosystems

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