Laufenberg: Debating Drones

Discussion:

Divide students into three groups. Assign each of the groups to read one of the articles listed under resources.

For group 1: Ask students to fold a piece of paper in half and on one side  list benefits and on the other side the risks of using drones to  conducting military operations.

For group 2: Ask students to fold a piece of paper in half and on one side  list benefits and on the other side the risks of using drones to  photograph wildfires.  

For group 3: Ask students to fold a piece of paper in half and on one side  list benefits and on the other side the risks of using drones in agriculture.

After students have had the opportunity to read their assigned article and record benefits and risks of using drones in a particular area of life, place students in groups of three or four, making sure that in each group all three articles are represented. Each student should take turns sharing the risks and benefits for the use of drones in the area he or she read about in the article. Students should star the biggest benefit and biggest risk of using drones in their opinion for each of the areas discussed.

After students have had the opportunity to share in groups, open up the discussion to the class. Use the questions below to guide discussion.

1. Why is it difficult to enforce laws regulating drone use?
2. What are some of the strongest arguments for the use of drones?
3. What are some of the strongest arguments against the use of drones?
4. Based on the list of benefits and risks you created, do you believe drones should be used?
5. Does the type of use of the drone effect your opinion of whether drones should be used?

Optional Extension:

As a class, watch the video "A Sky Full of Cameras."