Description:
You will take on the role of either a whale or a tree (or any other species)and make the case that your organism is more valuable in nature. Especially in relation to climate and ecosystems. You’ll gather evidence, prepare arguments, and debate against the opposing side. In doing so, you’ll explore how both whales and trees contribute to climate regulation, carbon storage, nutrient cycles, and ecosystem services.
Trees are well known for capturing carbon dioxide and helping cool the planet, but whales also have surprising roles in the carbon cycle and ocean health. Through this activity, you’ll see how different parts of nature contribute in different ways, and how sometimes the “invisible” contributions matter a lot.
Hook and frame the question 5 min
Write the motion on the board: “Whales or trees: which contributes more to climate regulation and ecosystem health?” Clarify that “value” includes carbon, biodiversity, and ecosystem services.
Assign roles 3 min
Split the class into two teams. Each team picks quick roles: lead speaker, evidence finder, rebuttal lead, note-taker, timekeeper.
Give starter briefs 5 min
Hand out a one-page fact sheet per side with 3 to 5 key points. Example prompts:
Whales: long lifespans and stored carbon, whale falls to deep sea, nutrient recycling that boosts phytoplankton.
Trees: photosynthesis and carbon storage in biomass and soils, habitat, water cycle regulation.
Research and evidence gathering 10–15 min
Teams highlight their strongest points, find at least one limitation of their own case, and prepare one question for the other side. Encourage students to note sources where possible.
Plan arguments 7–10 min
Use a simple structure:
Claim
Evidence and explanation
Anticipated counter-argument
Response
Debate round: openings 6 min
Tree team opening 3 min, Whale team opening 3 min. Speakers present 2 to 3 strongest claims with evidence.
Cross-examination 6 min
Each side asks the other side two questions. Keep questions concise and evidence-focused.
Rebuttals 6 min
Each team delivers a 3-minute rebuttal addressing the opponent’s main points and reinforcing their strongest evidence.
Closings 4 min
One minute per side to summarize the case and state why their evidence best answers the motion.
Class vote and debrief 8–12 min
Silent individual vote. Then discuss: Which evidence felt most convincing, where was uncertainty, how might both whales and trees work together in climate solutions.
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