Getting the kids involved in understanding local issues is not only a great way to develop their critical thinking skills, but also to make the content meaningful and relevant. For the past several years, a controversy has surrounded whether or not to introduce the Asian oyster into the Chesapeake Bay. Since the Bay ecosystem is right in their backyard, this was an engaging issue. It also tied in with SOL's on invasive species and human impacts in the ecosystem.
A current issue is placing wind turbines off the coast. With Virginia Beach as a tourist destination and home to a naval air base, there are many issues to discuss on this topic. I have not used socratic seminar before but this may be an opportunity to use it.
Introducing the Asian oyster into the Bay is definitely an issue. As a person who has grown up on the water and having family members who were watermen this brings up a very good issue. We have always heard that we needed to be careful in what kinds of species came into the water. It would be interesting to see how or if any things would change. I like it!
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