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Role cards (all levels)

Discover Exciting STEM Careers 🚀

Mathematician

Mathematician
Role: The expert in numbers and equations. Responsibilities: - Explain how mathematics is used to solve real-world problems. - Discuss different careers that use math. - Argue why it is important to learn advanced math. - Present ways to make math fun and interesting.
The mathematician is passionate about making math exciting for everyone.

Software Developer

Software Developer
Role: The expert in creating computer applications. Responsibilities: - Explain how coding can be used in different industries. - Discuss the importance of learning programming. - Present the challenges of becoming a software developer. - Advocate for more coding classes in school.
The software developer is enthusiastic about encouraging kids to learn to code.

Environmental Scientist

Environmental Scientist
Role: The expert in studying the environment and weather. Responsibilities: - Explain how science helps us understand climate change. - Argue the importance of protecting natural resources. - Discuss different careers in environmental science. - Present ways to be environmentally friendly every day.
The environmental scientist is dedicated to teaching others how to protect the planet.

Mechanical Engineer

Mechanical Engineer
Role: The expert in designing and building machines. Responsibilities: - Explain how engineering affects the world around us. - Discuss different fields within mechanical engineering. - Present the challenges of becoming an engineer. - Argue for more hands-on engineering projects in school.
The mechanical engineer is excited to inspire future engineers.
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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

Mathematician

Debate Starters

  1. Why is it important to learn math in school?
  2. How can math help us solve real-life problems?
  3. What are some fun ways to make learning math more interesting?

Arguments

  1. Math is used in many jobs:

    • Math helps people like engineers, doctors, and scientists do their work.
    • Without math, it would be hard to build things or understand how they work.
    • Knowing math can help you get a good job in the future.

  2. Math helps us every day:

    • We use math when we go shopping to make sure we have enough money.
    • Cooking recipes need math to measure ingredients.
    • Math helps us understand time, like knowing when to catch the bus.

  3. Math can be fun:

    • Games like puzzles and Sudoku use math.
    • Math magic tricks can surprise your friends.
    • There are cool apps and websites that make learning math like playing a game.

Software Developer

Debate Starters

  1. Why is it important to learn coding in school?
  2. How can coding be used in different jobs?
  3. What are some challenges of becoming a software developer?

Arguments

  1. Coding is used everywhere:

    • Coding helps create video games, websites, and apps.
    • Many jobs, like doctors and teachers, use computer programs.
    • Learning coding can open up many career opportunities.

  2. Coding teaches problem-solving:

    • Coding helps you think step-by-step to solve problems.
    • It teaches you to be creative and find new ways to do things.
    • By learning coding, you get better at fixing mistakes.

  3. Coding can be fun:

    • You can make your own games and apps.
    • Coding clubs and competitions are exciting.
    • There are fun coding games and tutorials online.

Environmental Scientist

Debate Starters

  1. Why is it important to protect the environment?
  2. How does science help us understand climate change?
  3. What can we do every day to be more environmentally friendly?

Arguments

  1. Protecting the environment is important:

    • Keeping our air and water clean helps us stay healthy.
    • Animals and plants need a safe place to live.
    • If we don't protect the environment, it can lead to big problems in the future.

  2. Science helps us understand climate change:

    • Scientists study the weather to see how it's changing.
    • They use tools to measure the temperature and pollution.
    • Understanding climate change helps us make better decisions to protect the planet.

  3. We can all help the environment:

    • Recycling helps reduce waste.
    • Using less water and electricity can save resources.
    • Planting trees and gardens can help clean the air.

Mechanical Engineer

Debate Starters

  1. Why is engineering important for our world?
  2. What are some different types of mechanical engineering?
  3. What are the challenges of becoming a mechanical engineer?

Arguments

  1. Engineering makes our world better:

    • Engineers design cars, airplanes, and machines that help us every day.
    • They make buildings and bridges strong and safe.
    • Engineering helps create new technology that makes life easier.

  2. There are many types of engineering:

    • Some engineers work with robots and machines.
    • Others design engines and mechanical parts.
    • Many engineers solve problems to make things work better.

  3. Becoming an engineer is challenging but rewarding:

    • Engineers need to study math and science a lot.
    • They have to solve difficult problems.
    • Being an engineer can be exciting because you get to create new things.