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Role cards (all levels)
Reviving Dinosaurs: Balancing Economic Ambitions with Ethical and Ecological Concerns
Biotechnologist
Role: The expert in genetic engineering and biotechnology.
Responsibilities:
- Explain the process of cloning using ancient DNA.
- Discuss technological advancements in genetic engineering.
- Highlight potential benefits of cloning dinosaurs for scientific study.
- Raise ethical issues related to genetic manipulation.
The biotechnologist is eager to push the boundaries of science and technology.
Environmental Scientist
Role: The expert on ecosystems and environmental impact.
Responsibilities:
- Discuss the potential ecological effects of introducing dinosaurs into modern ecosystems.
- Highlight risks to current wildlife and habitats.
- Advocate for preserving natural balance and biodiversity.
- Suggest alternative projects for ecological investment.
The environmental scientist is concerned about the unintended consequences on the environment.
Business Entrepreneur
Role: The advocate for business opportunities and economic growth.
Responsibilities:
- Present the potential economic benefits of a dinosaur-themed park or attraction.
- Highlight job creation and tourism revenue.
- Discuss possible business models and safety measures.
- Address concerns about public safety and investment risks.
The business entrepreneur is enthusiastic about the financial benefits of reviving dinosaurs.
Politician
Role: The elected official considering public opinion and policy implications.
Responsibilities:
- Weigh the pros and cons of reviving dinosaurs from a societal perspective.
- Consider public safety and ethical concerns.
- Propose regulatory frameworks and laws.
- Ensure public funding is spent responsibly.
The politician is focused on balancing public interest with ethical and legal standards.
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
Conservation Biologist
Theses/Questions:
- What are the potential risks of introducing extinct species into current ecosystems?
- Can we ensure the survival of both revived dinosaurs and existing species without harming the ecological balance?
- How does the revival of dinosaurs align with the goals of preserving current biodiversity?
Arguments:
- The introduction of dinosaurs could lead to invasive species behavior, harming existing flora and fauna.
- Revival projects could divert crucial resources and attention away from conserving endangered species that are already struggling to survive.
- Cloned dinosaurs may not have natural immunity to current pathogens, posing a significant threat to both the dinosaurs' health and the safety of current ecosystems.
Jurassic Park Manager
Theses/Questions:
- How can a real-life Jurassic Park boost local economies and create new job opportunities?
- What measures can be taken to ensure the safety of park visitors and staff when dealing with potentially dangerous creatures?
- Can the existence of a dinosaur-themed park inspire a new generation of scientists and conservationists?
Arguments:
- A real-life Jurassic Park would become a global attraction, significantly increasing tourism revenue.
- Advanced technology and expert staff training can mitigate the risks associated with housing live dinosaurs.
- The park could fund ongoing research and conservation efforts through a portion of its profits, combining entertainment with education and preservation.
Animal Rights Activist
Theses/Questions:
- Is it ethical to clone extinct species for human entertainment or scientific curiosity?
- How can we ensure that cloned dinosaurs are given the same rights and humane treatment as other animals?
- What are the long-term implications of reviving species that have been extinct for millions of years?
Arguments:
- Cloning dinosaurs raises serious ethical questions about human interference in nature and could lead to the animals' suffering.
- There is no guarantee that these animals would be treated with dignity, potentially leading to a life of confinement and exploitation.
- Reviving dinosaurs could set a dangerous precedent for resurrecting other species without fully understanding the ecological and moral consequences.
Science Fiction Writer
Theses/Questions:
- What would daily life look like for humans if dinosaurs were revived and integrated into society?
- How would the revival of dinosaurs challenge our understanding of science, ethics, and the natural world?
- In what ways could the existence of dinosaurs influence our culture, art, and storytelling?
Arguments:
- The presence of dinosaurs could inspire a new wave of creativity and innovation in various fields, from architecture to fashion.
- Stories of coexisting with dinosaurs could serve as cautionary tales or aspirational narratives, shaping societal values and aspirations.
- Dinosaurs could become powerful symbols in art and literature, representing humanity's ability to resurrect the past and confront the consequences.
Personalize the worksheet
Choose a topic you want your students to discuss. Optional: Add the 4 roles.
Role cards (all levels)
This worksheet gives you pre-designed role cards for different topics.
Tip: You can specify the 4 roles you want to use!
Personalize the worksheet
Choose a topic you want your students to discuss. Optional: Add the 4 roles.
