Grade 7 have been investigating human impact on the environment. Their recent case study looked into the issue of plastics in the oceans. Students each took on different “role” or “identity” , such as owner of a fishing boat, CEO of a plastics company, hotel owner at a beach resort, or school student in a city. They spent time considering how their perspective might be influenced based on their experiences. After investigating and creating a script for their role’s possible perspective, students participated in a “circle of viewpoints” in which they role-played their identity. The discussion flowed seamlessly and the students did an exceptional job of staying in role, presenting their viewpoints, and discussing possible agreements and disagreements. They did an excellent job of respecting and trying to understand the different viewpoints.
