Deforestation Debate Discussion Prompts
Learning Objective: Pupils can discuss different perspectives on rainforest deforestation and form reasoned opinions
About this resource
This resource provides engaging discussion prompts to help Year 5 pupils explore the complex topic of rainforest deforestation from various perspectives. Teachers can use these prompts to facilitate lively classroom debates, encouraging children to develop reasoned opinions and articulate their thoughts effectively. Designed for Key Stage 2 Geography, this resource directly supports the National Curriculum's emphasis on understanding environmental issues and human impact on the world.
Context Setting
5 minutesEvery minute, an area of rainforest the size of 27 football pitches is destroyed. But many people depend on the rainforest for their livelihoods. Today we'll explore different viewpoints on deforestation.
Role Cards
Assign pupils one of these roles:
- Farmer: 'I need to clear land to grow food for my family'
- Environmentalist: 'The rainforest is the lungs of the Earth — we must protect it'
- Logger: 'Selling timber provides jobs for our community'
- Indigenous person: 'This is our home — our ancestors have lived here for thousands of years'
- Government official: 'We need economic growth, but we also need to protect our forests'
Discussion Questions
20 minutes- Should we stop all deforestation immediately? Why or why not?
- Whose responsibility is it to protect the rainforest?
- How can we balance the needs of people with protecting the environment?
- What would you do if you were in charge of a country with a large rainforest?
- How does deforestation in South America affect us in the UK?
Sentence Starters
- From my character's perspective, I believe...
- I understand that... however...
- One solution could be...
- The strongest argument is... because...
- I've changed my mind because...
Differentiation
SEN Support
Simplified role cards with key points. Paired discussion before whole-class sharing. Visual prompts.
EAL Support
Pre-taught vocabulary: deforestation, conservation, sustainable. Role cards with visual supports.
Gifted & Talented
Research real examples of sustainable forestry. Write a balanced argument essay after the discussion.
Key Vocabulary
Assessment Criteria
- Presents arguments from their role's perspective
- Listens to and responds to other viewpoints
- Forms a reasoned personal opinion