Silly Debate Showdown

Brandi Keezel

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Silly Debate Showdown Plan

Engage 11th-grade students in a fun and spirited debate using silly topics to enhance public speaking, critical thinking, and teamwork skills.

This lesson helps students practice argumentation and creative thinking in a relaxed setting, promoting confidence and cooperative learning.

Audience

11th Grade

Time

15 minutes

Approach

Quick, energetic rounds of debate using predefined silly topics.

Materials

Silly Debate Topics List

Prep

Prepare Debate Materials

5 minutes

Review and familiarize yourself with the list of silly debate topics available in Silly Debate Topics List.
Set clear guidelines on speaking and debate etiquette.
Ensure the classroom setup supports small group discussions and movement.

Step 1

Introduction and Topic Selection

3 minutes

Introduce the objective and rules of the silly debate.
Briefly present a few silly debate topics from the Silly Debate Topics List to spark interest.
Randomly assign students into small debate groups.

Step 2

Debate Rounds

8 minutes

Allow each group to select a topic and prepare a quick argument.
Have each group engage in a 2-minute debate round, ensuring everyone gets a turn to speak.
Encourage creativity and humor while sticking to the debate format.

Step 3

Wrap-Up and Reflection

4 minutes

Facilitate a brief class discussion on the debates.
Ask students to share what they found amusing or challenging.
Summarize key points and reinforce the skills learned during the debate.

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Slide Deck

Welcome to Silly Debate Showdown!

Today, we'll engage in fun and energetic debates on some very silly topics. Get ready to think fast, speak up, and have a great time!

Introduce the session. Discuss what the session is about and explain that the debate topics are intentionally silly to encourage creative thinking and fun.

Session Overview

• Engage in light-hearted debates
• Practice public speaking and critical thinking
• Work in small groups
• Respectful listening and quick responses

Provide an overview of the session objectives and instructions for the activity. Remind students to stay respectful and listen to each other.

Silly Debate Topics

Some fun topics include:

Should pizza be considered a vegetable?
Is cereal a soup?
Do cats secretly rule the world?
Can unicorns solve complex math problems?
(Visit the Silly Debate Topics List for more ideas!)

Display a list of sample silly debate topics to spark interest. Mention that students can get additional topics from the provided "Silly Debate Topics List" material.

Debate Rules & Process

• Each group selects one topic.
• Every group has 2 minutes per debate round.
• Ensure all members get a chance to participate.
• Stay creative and respectful.

Outline the debate rules and process. Remind students of the timed rounds and importance of sharing their views succinctly.

Wrap-Up & Reflection

• What did you enjoy the most?
• What was challenging?
• How can fun debates help build your speaking skills?
Let's share our thoughts!

Wrap up the debate activity by reflecting on the fun elements and learning outcomes. Encourage students to share their thoughts and emphasize the skills developed.

Activity

Silly Debate Topics List

Below are some fun and quirky topics to spark creativity and encourage a light-hearted debate session. Use these topics as a starting point or let your imagination run wild by proposing your own silly ideas!

Debate Topic Ideas:

Should pizza be considered a vegetable?
Is cereal a soup?
Do cats secretly rule the world?
Can unicorns solve complex math problems?
Would aliens agree on Earth’s best ice cream flavor?
Should robots get a day off for having hard drives?
Is a hotdog a sandwich?
If cookies could talk, what would they say?
Should schools have theme days like 'Fictional Character Friday'?
Are clowns underrated philosophers?

How to Use This List:

Pick Your Topic: Students can randomly select one of these topics or choose one that resonates with them.
Form Debate Teams: Divide into small groups and assign each group a topic or let them pick their own.
Prepare an Argument: Spend a few minutes preparing fun yet convincing arguments for your assigned topic.
Enjoy the Debate: Keep the atmosphere light and humorous, allowing everyone to have a chance to speak and share their views.

Remember, the goal is to have fun, practice public speaking, and engage in creative thinking while debating silly topics! Enjoy your session and let your imagination shine!

For more details about the class activity, please refer to the Silly Debate Showdown Plan and Silly Debate Showdown Slides.