Lesson Plan Title : Debate on Television's Influence on Culture

Age Range: Grade 9 through Grade 12 (High School)

Overview and Purpose: Information is everywhere today. How much of what the media presents is dictated by our everyday lives and how much of it dictates how we live our lives? This activity will give students an opportunity to debate that question. They will work together to research information and present it in a persuasive argument before a panel of judges.

Objective: The student will be able to debate whether television influences our culture or is dictated by it.

Resources:

Internet access for students

Poster board

Markers

Adults who are willing to be judges for the debate

Activities:

Divide the students into two groups. Explain that one group will argue that television influences our culture and the other team will argue that our culture dictates what is on television. The students need to research the internet, gather their information, and organize their case. They should make one or two posters that help prove their case and that they can use during their debate.

Give the students a few days to work on this project. When they are ready, have a mock debate. Ask the judges to score the groups on the quality of the information, the presentation, persuasiveness, and how well the students work together to present the information.

Wrap Up:

Students may find it difficult to defend their position if they agree with the other side. Encourage them to argue persuasively anyway. It is good practice for them to be able to see things from another's point of view.