"That's Debatable!" - Middle School Debate Club (Ages 11 - 13)

This class supports Common Core State Standards: CCRA.ELA – Literacy SL6.1 – 8.1, 6.2 – 8.2, 6.3 – 8.3, 6.4 – 8.4, 6.5 - 8.5
Students will:
1.	Learn about the topic assigned.
2.	Use research skills to prepare for the debate.
3.	Work together in a team before and during the debate.
4.	Practice public speaking skills.
5.	Use critical thinking skills to “think on their feet” to come up with respectful and effective responses to the opposing team’s position

Students will have research outside of class to gather facts about their topic. They will have time in class to collaborate with their team to refine the team's position.  

General feedback will be provided team-wide after each debate. As students become more proficient in their own debate skills, they may be asked to help score the debate for that session (Did the team support their statement with a fact or opinion? Did the team speak respectfully to opposing team? Etc.). This will serve two purposes: 1. Help students tune in to specific elements in debate that they observe. 2. Provide general feedback to debating teams. 

50 minutes per week in class, and an estimated 0 - 1 hours per week outside of class.