Part One: Lesson Media
Students will start with the Lesson Media – available in video, audio and written format.
Key Ideas: Why does science matter? How does science and our choices influence and shape our world?
Students can listen to the Featured Hot Take podcast – an interview with an expert that best reflects all of the meta-themes discussed in this lesson.
This podcast comes with reflection questions to help students understand how the interview relates to what they’ve learned. Again, you can decide whether students will consume this podcast at home, as an assignment, or in class.
When finished, students have the option of listening to two Hot Takes podcasts that feature longer interviews with the most prominent voices featured in the Lesson Media. There are also questions and any definitions that pop up through the Lesson Media story.
Students can also select from the Reflection Activity options (or you can direct them to choose one option) after watching the Lesson Media. These activities are designed to ensure students understand the main ideas presented in the stories.
We also recommend discussing the Lesson Media themes as a class.
Tips for Setting-Up Class Discussions:
Set-Up
- Inform students of the class discussion rules, emphasizing the importance of respecting and listening to different views
- Ensure that students know how to communicate their ideas clearly and effectively
- Outline key ideas and terms to be discussed
- Determine what physical setting works best in your space, or if an alternative setting would allow for a more vibrant conversation
Methods
- Have students form small groups to help brainstorm ideas, with a group spokesperson presenting the notes to the class in order to spark discussion
- Instead of debating a topic as a class, create an online discussion “forum” for students to use on their own time (Try GoogleDocs, Yo Teach!, Kialo, Padlet, etc.)
- Distribute cue cards and have students record their ideas, then read each thought to the class and allow for students to follow-up verbally
Tips
- Allow students a few minutes to formulate or write down their responses to the questions or ideas being discussed
- Have students try to expand on their ideas by asking for examples
- Students should be the leaders of the conversation; the teacher is there to guide the discussion and ensure it stays focused
- Make sure you state that silence is not a bad thing – students should become comfortable with silences in conversation
- Remind students of the initial rules if the discussion becomes heated
- At the end of the discussion, have students help wrap it up by restating the key ideas discussed
- After the conversation is over, evaluate how it went, and what could be improved next time
Resources:
Discussion Method Teaching: A Practical Guide
Best Practice Strategies for Effective Use of Questions as a Teaching Tool
Prompts That Get Students to Analyze, Reflect, Relate, and Question