Keeping the big question in mind ...

How do the competing needs of various members of society influence changes in the way we live?

CONFERENCE ROOM

Task #5: With your team, prepare for the first task force meeting by identifying the main points of conflict that will arise when your members representing various points of view come together. Use the list of questions that you brainstormed in Exploring Issues and the notes you gathered in Mining Information to draft a list of 5 to 8 position statements which you predict one or more task force members may propose that will generate the most disagreement. Here are two examples.

“Let’s only develop enough of our reserves to keep the price of magichite high. Scarcity will be our friend in generating profits for businesses and that means more money for Wyoming in the long run.”

“We should not develop any magichite deposits in Wyoming. The benefits of magichite to our economy and to the advancement of medical technology are not worth the risks.”

Record your controversial position statements on paper. (Check with your teacher to see if your team should turn in the list for a grade or for credit.)

Task #6: At the first team meeting, your predictions came true. Each of the controversial statements were voiced by team members. Divide up the statements among your team members. On your own, write the counterargument you would make to the statement or statements you are assigned by your team. (Check with your teacher. This may be an assignment you are required to turn in for a grade or class credit.)

Moving on ...

Armed with your notes, statements and counterarguments, proceed to PRODUCING SOLUTIONS.

EXPLORATION

MINING

PROCESSING

PRODUCT

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