12.08.09
While their peers may be debating who's the better pop princess - Rihanna or Taylor Swift, students at Tech Valley High School will spend part of their Wednesday debating the ethics of biotechnology.
In a format that harkens back to nearly obsolete high school debate clubs, TVHS students will debate the
The students will debate two topics starting at 12:35 p.m. - geo-engineering (an idea for addressing global climate change) and biofuels, said teacher Mary VanHoomissen.
The debates test the student's science knowledge and English abilities, since they must use proper English and are graded on the delivery of their argument.
The debates last approximately 30 minutes each, with opening arguments, rebuttals and cross-examinations.
Students, observers and others are invited to judge the arguments.
"There are a lot of issues that have been in the public realm on these topics and we want the students to develop an understanding of them," said VanHoomissen.
A first round of debates on contemporary issues in bioengineering took place last month.
The debates follow a lesson in the ethics of engineering as it applies historically and in English literature. For example, students in English read the classic Frankenstein novel and discussed it as it relates to science gone awry, said VanHoomissen.
