On October 14th in Reach Ahead Science class, Hawthorn Grade 8 students honed their debating techniques by tackling the proposal that ‘A large area of old-growth forest in Northern Ontario should be protected as a National Park, banning all logging and mining.’ Students divided into teams to present arguments from the perspective of various stakeholders, including conservationists, the forestry industry, the local community, and the government. Once they had prepared their key concepts, they participated in ‘The Northern Ontario Forest Summit’, a 50-minute formal class debate in which they followed a strict timeline of Opening Statements, Questioning and Debate, Closing Statements, Government Deliberation and Decision, and Class Reflection.
Throughout the Summit, students strove to use key terms, present clear, well-researched, persuasive arguments, be exceptional team players, and speak clearly and confidently. Thank you to our Science teacher Ms Grover for organizing this lively event, and congratulations to all of our Grade 8 scientists for making themselves heard and wrestling with critical environmental issues. Our country needs voices like yours!