BEFORE DEBATING
1. The class will be divided in four groups:
- group 1 will be representing a scientist, Ian Wilmut, considered the father of cloning;
- group 2 will defend the Church's point of view on the subject. It will be represented by a priest;
- group 3 will be responsible for representing an expert on bioethics;
- group 4 must defend the beliefs of the owner of a fertility clinic.
2. Each group will have four students and, during two weeks, they will research all the necessary information to debate clonig from their given perspective:
- one student will be responsible for searching the web for interesting websites / material on the subject;
- two students will have to explore those websites / material and decide what is useful for their work;
- the fourth student (helped by the others, if necessary) has to prepare a multimedia presentation to be shown during their intervention on the debate.
- For this presentation feel free to use one of the following tools
. power point
. prezi
. vuvox
Note: Don't forget to cite all your sources (images, text, videos,...)
3. During research, you must not only prepare arguments to defend your perspective but also search for opposing views.
5. Once you have chosen a spokesperson and thoroughly discussed your role in the group, you must organize a clear team action plan: how will you convince the others that your arguments, your perspective is the most favorable? As a team, your arguments must concur. You can use visual aids, if you want.
6. Role-play within your group to practice debating.
THE DEBATE
7. Before the teacher asks any questions, each group will present their opening remarks (+/- 4 minutes for each group).
8. The teacher will question each group, which have +/- 4 minutes to defend their position. The members of the teams may talk quietly amongst themselves and advise their spokesperson during that time.
9. Each team will be given a chance to express its opinion about each question.
10. During the other groups' presentations, your team should take notes in preparation for your rebuttal.
11. At the end of the debate, your team will be allowed 3-5 minutes to refute previous arguments and summarize your position.
AFTER DEBATING
12. After the debate, you are asked to prepare an assignment (written or oral) in which you explain your personal perspective / opinion on this subject. You can use your previous research materials and the notes that you took during the debate as a guide. While preparing your assignment you must consider these questions:
- Before doing this work, what was your opinion about this issue?
- After your research work and the debate, do you steel feel the same? What changed?
- Explain and defend your point of view, bearing in mind all the implications of such a controversial issue .
- You can present your assignment using one of the following tools:
