Where does Space begin?
Science should be a place where students can learn to build arguments and critically analyse others. Developing opportunities where students are able to debate ideas can be a worthwhile exercise.
For example, if you’ve been teaching about the Earth’s atmosphere, follow up by leading into the question ‘Where does space begin?’ using the video above. From there, you could introduce the debate worthy topic of ‘Who should own space?’
You could list different groups like national leaders, private space companies, civilians etc. and ask students to come up with arguments for and against why each group should own space. Or once you’ve built up their confidence, you could ask them to come up with their own idea with reasons that back up their choices, before asking them to present their argument and counter opposition from their peers (in a Dragons’ Den styled activity).
What science topics would you choose for your students to debate about in class?
Physics, Astronomy, and Space: Teaching Secondary Science
Physics, Astronomy, and Space: Teaching Secondary Science
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