Standards
The unit is based on a Delaware Social Studies Content Standard and two Common Core English standards. The Delaware content standard states, "Students will develop knowledge of the ways humans modify and respond to the natural environment." 5 The Common Core standards are centered on the presentation of ideas and the use of relevant evidence to support claims. Specifically, the standards state, "Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence," and "Present claims and findings, sequencing ideas logically and using pertinent descriptions, facts, and details to accentuate main ideas or themes; use appropriate eye contact, adequate volume, and clear pronunciation." 6 The theme of the unit is the development and delivery of persuasive speech, in the form of a debate, which illustrates the pros and cons of a proposed solution to the issue of climate change and its impact on the environment and residents of Wilmington, Delaware. These three standards can be seamlessly incorporated together in a unit that requires the students to analyze primary and secondary source materials to come to a logical course of action that will combat climate change.
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