Lindsay Haugland

General Science, Advanced Biology, Earth Science, Biology 1 teacher

Eagle Grove High School (IA)

Benefits of Geothermal Energy

I formatted this performance task as a debate. Students read all articles in the task and created notes based on the research. Through thoughtful reasoning, students decided if they were for or against geothermal energy. I provided an outline asking about their claim, evidence cited from the articles, and any possible arguments the other side might come up with. We held a Socratic seminar in class, where students were able to use the research to argue their point while rebutting arguments.

Students were able to put their writing, argumentative, and research skills to the test in a subject other than English. While formulating their arguments they also had to critically think about what the other side was going to say 

which gave them an understanding of the topic from all sides. It allowed them to think like a scientist, analyze what they have learned, and apply it.The task was extremely relevant and provided credible articles which saved students time on performing research. With lesson materials already there I am not reinventing the wheel, which gives me time to try new things and use new recourses, like Defined STEM.