For teachers

• Teacher notes [Word 56KB]
• Post-activity discussion (pictured above) – Dave Perks (Head of Physics at Graveney School, Tooting) and Ralph Levinson (Lecturer in Science Education, Institute of Education) review the activity.
  Windows Media Player Hi res [26MB] Lo res [12MB]
  QuickTime Hi res [16MB] Lo res [8MB]
• Homework sheet [PDF 52KB]
• Topic guide [3PDF .24MB]

Teacher and student feedback from Edmonton County School, Middlesex

Katherine Hyland, Head of Science
"The materials are very useful and the activity is well planned. The activity was something different, which the students enjoyed, and it allowed them to formulate good clear arguments. The issue is topical and the activity gave a sense of purpose and drive to their research. I was impressed by the way Lawrence drew on other subjects we had covered earlier in the year to formulate his arguments and how Louise brought in arguments from her philosophy class."

Students
"As a result of taking part in this activity I have a greater appreciation of what's going on. I'd be far more likely to read a newspaper article or to pay attention to a news item about it now."

"We should start doing this sort of thing much younger. We're all about to go off to university and we have no experience of public speaking. This activity has given me greater confidence to express my views."

"We'll all be allowed to vote soon and therefore it's good to appreciate other people's opinions. I'm normally quite stubborn but doing this has made me challenge my own views more."

"I really enjoyed researching the issue; knowing that we would have to ask intelligent questions during the discussion made me focus on getting to grips with the issues."