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| A
LIVE DEBATE ON GLOBAL WARMING |
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| Climate
change is unique in part because of its long-range
implications, its complexity, and its uncertain
future path. What is certain is how the power of
this societal debate can be used to educate high
schoolers across many disciplines. As the excerpts
from the High School Content Expectations remind
us, Climate Crossfire will address language arts
by enticing students to listen carefully to rhetoric.
It will also focus on social studies, as issues
of civic responsibility and government action are
discussed. Lessons in economics are at the core
of proposed responses to the changing global climate.
And of course, atmospheric science elements are
key to framing this marquee “current events”
issue of our time. Just as important, we will help
students see why climate change should matter to
them, both now and in the future. |
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| During
the assembly, following introductions, each “side”
will present a brief summary of their viewpoint,
using simple PowerPoint slides. A period of rebuttal
and direct exchange will follow for several minutes,
and it will get lively. But we don’t want
your students to just passively watch, entertained
though they may be; we’ll give them the chance
to ask questions live, allowing the kind of dynamic
interactivity to which they’ve grown accustomed
without having to click a mouse or send a text message.
If preferred, written questions can be submitted
prior to the assembly. |
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Though we will use the live
format to dramatize the scientific uncertainties
and contentious debate, we will end with a concise
focus on common ground, which clearly exists.
We’ll help students see that only when the
name calling ceases can we begin to look maturely
toward solutions. This is a cornerstone of our
program philosophy. |
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| Once
your school has booked the Climate Crossfire program,
we'll supply you with the Climate Crossfire Study
Guide, a balanced, relatively short summary of climate
change appropriate for high schoolers, including
a link to a NASA site for internet-based learning.
We hope you share this with your students prior
to our assembly. After the assembly, we will distribute
post-debate discussion talking points, hoping you
have a chance to enhance the learning during classroom
follow-ups. We’ll also have resource lists
available for students who want to learn more. |
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| Finally,
we are happy to clarify that neither of us is a
climate scientist or researcher (click
here to read biographical statements).
For all the priceless information they give us,
such professionals typically employ a mode of discourse
that does not translate well to the general public.
Besides, climate scientists will not be making policy
or unduly influencing those who do, because their
numbers are far too small. Your students can do
those things. We hope they will. |
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For
pricing and more details about the Climate
Crossfire program,
or to learn about other weatherWhysguy programs,
please contact us at (248) 553-8418. |
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