Debate is one methodology that encompasses the nature of science, science and technology in society, and the history of science and has been shown to enhance critical thinking (Hammerich, 1998). The ability to look at and analyze all evidence, then deduce a conclusion, interpretation, or opinion based on that evidence is an important factor in science teaching supported by the National Science Education Standards and Benchmarks for Science Literacy (NRC, 1996; AAAS, 1993). This article describes how the author conducted a scientific debate with eighth grade students to achieve this goal by examining real-world issues.
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Type Journal ArticlePub Date 2/1/2001Stock # ss02_024_05_18Volume 024Issue 05