Debating the American Revolution

In today's class, students are debating the question: Were the colonists justified in rebelling against British rule? Students are divided into 6 groups: Patriots (2), Moderates (2), Loyalists (1), and King George and the British Parliament (1). I enjoyed the debates because students seem engaged and entertained. The format is very structured: Group introductions and slogans, Opening comment, Presentation of Arguments, and then a General Discussion. Students in American History 3 are very energetic and loquacious. During the debate they were respectful of one another. The Patriots, led by Charniece Huff offered very strong arguments. During American History 2, Juliene Jimenez and Felicia Green became entangled in controversy over whether or not the British government had provided anything to the colonists. Juliene made a strong argument by asking Felicia, "Who provided the chair you sit on?" Felicia had to answer the School District of Philadelphia, which Juliene pointed put was a public institution supported by the United States of America. However, Felicia countered that during colonial times, Great Britain was the government that supported the colonies. It was an entertaining exchange. The most powerful arguments were often in the students' own words and then supported by a short quote as evidence. Overall, I think this has been a productive debate. It has given me incentive to create more lessons in which students can voice their opinions.