CBBC
CBBC Newsround
Wind turbines
Overview
Every home in Britain could be powered by wind farms within the next 12 years if government plans get the go ahead.
Officials have unveiled plans to build up to 7,000 wind turbines off the coast of the UK to boost wind-powered energy.
This page links to all the resources needed to hold a class debate on the pros and cons of wind power as an alternative energy source.
Context
The UK could get more of its energy from environmentally-friendly sources in future. Government ministers want 20% of Britain's energy to come from renewable energy sources by 2020.
Read the news story which accompanies this lesson
Wind power is likely to play a big part in this. Wind turbines are being built more quickly than experts expected and there are now more than 50 wind farms in the UK.
Learning aims
Read out this Press Pack report to the class.
Ask students:
1. Are you worried about global warming?
2. How should we reduce greenhouse gasses?
3. What do you think about wind power as a source of clean energy?
4. Would you still be enthusiastic if a wind farm was planned at your favourite beauty spot?
Main activity
Class debate
Explain that the class is going to debate the issues surrounding wind farms.
A debate is based around a suggestion or motion.
The motion is:
This house supports more wind farms.
Divide the class into proposers (for the motion) and opposers (against the motion).
Students research and write down arguments which either support or oppose the motion.
A summary of arguments can be found on the worksheets and guides in the blue box.
WIND FARM RESOURCES
Wind farm select this link for debate guide
Proposers' points: select this link for arguments for wind farms
Opposers' points: select this link for arguments against wind farms
select this link for our guide to global warming
Select seven students to be:
Students vote twice
1. Students vote to support or oppose the motion, depending on which they thought were the most convincing and well-constructed arguments. This may not necessarily be what they believe personally. The Speaker can't vote.
They do so by going to the 'aye' or 'no' side of the classroom.
The two tellers count up the votes (bodies), on either side of the room.
The Speaker announces the result of the vote.
2. Students vote according to their beliefs. The Speaker is no longer in role and can therefore vote.
As before, the two tellers count up the votes (bodies), on either side of the room and the Speaker announces the result of the vote. For our guide to holding a debate, select this link
Extension activity
After the debate, each student writes a personal statement of their opinions.
They pick five arguments that match their viewpoint and include them in a report that starts "I support/I oppose banning wind farms because..."
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