Anti-Hydraulic fracturing Team (Negative)

Role: You represent residents and organizations concerned about the proposed hydraulic fracturing project near Brambleton.

Your Goal: Convince the town council that the risks of hydraulic fracturing outweigh the benefits, and that the project should be rejected or significantly restricted.

Key Concerns to Emphasize: 

• Environmental risks: potential groundwater contamination, surface spills, wastewater disposal issues, uncertain long-term impacts
• Public health: air pollution, truck traffic, noise, stress, and potential health effects on nearby residents
• Water and climate: large freshwater use and methane leakage contribute to environmental concerns; long-term impacts uncertain
• Economic uncertainty: boom-and-bust cycles, short-term jobs, possible property value decline
• Alternatives: renewable energy, energy efficiency, and job training as safer long-term solutions

Your Responsibilities

• Present evidence-based arguments (not just opinions)
• Respond to Pro-Hydraulic fracturing claims with rebuttals
• Highlight uncertainty and who bears the risks
• Suggest safer or more sustainable alternatives

Writing and Research
In your science journals or on sheets of writing paper, draft the following elements: 

1. Opening statement (1-2 min): Clearly state your position and preview main arguments.
2. 2-3 strong, evidence-based arguments (1-2 min per argument)
3. Rebuttals (2-3 min): Respond directly to opponents’ strongest points; make evidence-based counterclaims.
4. Closing Statement (1 min): Summarize key points and appeal to decision criteria.

Debate
Choose representatives from your team to present each part of the debate. If time allows, have them practice in front of the team to improve flow and presence. 

Remember to: 

• Speak loudly and clearly but do not shout. 
• Speak respectfully. 
• Follow the moderator’s instructions.
• Listen when opponents are speaking.
• Speak in turn and do not interrupt.

Pro-Hydraulic fracturing Team (Affirmative)

Role: You represent the regional energy company and supporters of the proposed hydraulic fracturing project. 

Your Goal: Convince the town council that hydraulic fracturing can benefit the community and that risks can be managed through regulation and best practices.

Key Points to Emphasize: 

• Economic benefits: jobs during drilling and operations, local service industries, increased tax revenue for schools and infrastructure
• Energy security: local energy supply, reduced reliance on imports, “bridge fuel” to renewables
• Technology and regulation: modern well casing, monitoring, wastewater recycling, and strict oversight
• Mitigation plans: traffic routing, noise limits, water-use permits, emergency response plans
• Community investment: bonding, site cleanup, and long-term monitoring

Your Responsibilities

• Explain how risks will be reduced or managed.
• Use data and real-world examples to support claims.
• Address community concerns respectfully. 
• Emphasize compromise and regulation rather than denial of risks.

Writing and Research
In your science journals or on sheets of writing paper, draft the following elements: 

1. Opening statement (1-2 min): Clearly state your position and preview main arguments.
2. 2-3 strong, evidence-based arguments (1-2 min per argument)
3. Rebuttals (2-3 min): Respond directly to opponents’ strongest points; make evidence-based counterclaims.
4. Closing Statement (1 min): Summarize key points and appeal to decision criteria.

Debate
Choose representatives from your team to present each part of the debate. If time allows, have them practice in front of the team to improve flow and presence. 

Remember to: 

• Speak loudly and clearly but do not shout. 
• Speak respectfully. 
• Listen to the moderator.
• Listen when opponents are speaking.
• Speak in turn and do not interrupt.

Moderators

Role: You are neutral facilitators overseeing the debate.

Your Goal: Ensure a fair, respectful, and evidence-based discussion that helps the town council make an informed decision. 

Your Responsibilities: 

• Enforce debate rules and time limits.
• Follow a script for beginning, transitions, and ending.
• Keep discussion focused on the scenario and decision at hand.

Writing and Research
Use your science journals or sheets of writing paper to construct your moderator script for the debate.

Remember
You do not take a side. Your role is to improve the quality of the discussion.

Town Council Members

Role: You are elected officials of Brambleton responsible for deciding whether the hydraulic fracturing proposal is approved, denied, or approved with conditions. 

Your Goal: Make a decision that best serves the long-term interests of Brambleton, based on evidence and community impacts.

Factors to Consider: 

• Economic benefits vs. environmental and health risks
• Short-term gains vs. long-term consequences
• Uncertainty and risk management
• Fairness: who benefits and who is most affected
• Possible compromise solutions or regulations

Your Responsibilities: 

• Listen carefully to each side.
• Ask clarifying or challenging questions.
• Discuss evidence with other councilors.
• Cast a vote and explain your reasoning publicly. 

Writing and Research
Create a template for note-taking during the debate. Reference the “Factors to Consider” list above. You will use your notes when making your decision, as well as explaining your vote. 

Create a list of questions that you want answered through this debate. After both teams have presented their arguments, you will have the opportunity to ask either team clarifying or challenging questions. Use this time to gain clarity on the questions you have drafted. 

Assessment Rubric