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Role cards II (all levels) choose how many cards you want

Role cards II (all levels) choose how many cards you want

Overall Learning Objective

To enable learners to explore a complex, ethically charged scientific question by examining multiple perspectives and forming reasoned arguments in a structured debate.

Content and Methods

The worksheet addresses a topic and multiple perspectives. Methodologically, it uses role-based learning, guided preparation, argument prompts, and structured debate to foster discussion and critical thinking.

Competencies

  • Critical thinking and ethical reasoning
  • Argumentation and debate skills
  • Perspective-taking and empathy
  • Communication and collaboration
  • Basic scientific and societal literacy

Target Group and Level

Grade 5 and above

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HR
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370 other teachers use this template

Target group and level

Grade 5 and above

Subjects

English

Role cards II (all levels) choose how many cards you want

Should We Revive Dinosaurs? Exploring Perspectives on a Jurassic Dream 🦖

Scientist

Scientist
Role: The researcher focused on genetics and paleobiology. Responsibilities: - Share insights on genetic engineering and its potential. - Discuss the scientific benefits and risks of reviving dinosaurs. - Address ethical concerns in scientific advancements.
The scientist is eager to explore the possibilities of dinosaur revival but remains cautious about ethical implications.

Environmentalist

Environmentalist
Role: The advocate for nature and ecosystems. Responsibilities: - Highlight the importance of conserving current species. - Discuss potential ecological impacts of introducing dinosaurs. - Promote sustainable resource use for environmental protection.
The environmentalist is concerned about the potential disruption to ecosystems and prefers focusing on current conservation efforts.

Businessperson

Businessperson
Role: The entrepreneur exploring economic opportunities. Responsibilities: - Identify potential industries and revenue from dinosaur revival. - Discuss financial risks and benefits of the project. - Consider public safety and ethical business practices.
The businessperson sees great economic potential in dinosaur revival but acknowledges the high costs and risks involved.

Ethicist

Ethicist
Role: The moral guide in scientific endeavors. Responsibilities: - Discuss the moral implications of reviving extinct species. - Address concerns about manipulating natural processes. - Consider the welfare of resurrected dinosaurs.
The ethicist is deeply concerned about the moral and ethical aspects of reviving dinosaurs, focusing on the responsibilities involved.

Historian

Historian
Role: The expert on Earth's past and cultural impacts. Responsibilities: - Discuss the cultural significance of dinosaurs. - Address potential inaccuracies in revived dinosaurs. - Promote understanding of historical contexts.
The historian is fascinated by the cultural impact of dinosaurs but worries about historical inaccuracies in their revival.

Public Safety Official

Public Safety Official
Role: The protector of public safety and security. Responsibilities: - Develop safety measures for handling live dinosaurs. - Address potential risks to public safety. - Ensure regulatory compliance and enforcement.
The public safety official is focused on minimizing risks and ensuring safety in the event of dinosaur revival.

How to Work with Your Role Card

Step 1: Make sure you understand your role and do some research if necessary so you have all the facts you need for the debate.

Step 2: Check out the other role cards so you prepare arguments specifically for them.

Step 3: Prepare some additional notes that you can take with you into the debate and prepare your opening statement.

Help Section

Here are some debate starters and arguments to help you get started.

Debate Starters

  1. What would happen to nature if dinosaurs suddenly appeared?
  2. Is it right or wrong to bring back animals that disappeared a long time ago?
  3. How could bringing dinosaurs back change how people live and work?

Arguments

Genetic Engineer

  1. Advancement in Technology: Bringing dinosaurs back would push our genetic technology to new levels, helping us understand more about DNA and how it works.
  2. Scientific Exploration: Reviving dinosaurs could lead to discovering new scientific facts about ancient life and how they lived.
  3. Ethical Consideration: While there are ethical concerns, the potential benefits in scientific progress might outweigh the risks.

Ethical Advisor

  1. Moral Implications: Resurrecting dinosaurs raises serious moral questions about whether humans should intervene in nature in such a drastic way.
  2. Animal Welfare: There are concerns about the welfare of these creatures, as they would be living in an environment very different from what they evolved to live in.
  3. Societal Impact: Playing God might have unforeseen consequences on society, affecting how we view life and our role in the natural world.

Conservation Expert

  1. Ecosystem Disruption: Introducing dinosaurs could disrupt current ecosystems, possibly harming existing wildlife and plant life.
  2. Resource Allocation: Maintaining dinosaurs would require significant resources that could otherwise be used for conserving existing endangered species.
  3. Conservation Focus: Efforts might be better focused on preserving biodiversity with the species we currently have, rather than resurrecting extinct ones.

Economist

  1. Economic Opportunity: Reviving dinosaurs could open new markets and industries, such as tourism and research, creating jobs and economic growth.
  2. Risk Assessment: There are risks involved, including the cost of maintaining these creatures and the potential for market collapse if public interest wanes.
  3. Sustainability: The economic interest in dinosaurs might not last long enough to justify the initial investment, potentially making it unsustainable.

Public Representative

  1. Public Safety: There are concerns about the safety of people living near these large, potentially dangerous animals.
  2. Social Equality: Access to the benefits of dinosaur revival might not be equal for everyone, creating disparities between different societal groups.
  3. Cultural Engagement: Bringing back dinosaurs could engage the public in science and history, enriching cultural exploration and understanding.

Legal Analyst

  1. Legal Framework: New laws would need to be created to govern the existence and treatment of revived dinosaurs, addressing issues like ownership and rights.
  2. Intellectual Property: There could be challenges regarding who owns the genetic information used to bring back these creatures.
  3. International Law: The revival of dinosaurs would have implications across borders, requiring international cooperation and legal agreements.