Classroom Discussion Topics

  • Examine two (2) arguments one for and one against raising the minimum wage, and discuss your findings. In view of the weak economy of the last several years, explain which of the four components of GDP had, or is having, the greatest positive impact in our economy. 
  • Select one (1) product of your interest that uses nanotechnology, and describe the overall benefits and drawbacks as well as the positive and negative impact that the product you have chosen has on human lives. Identify one (1) challenge (e.g., safety issue, ethical issue, etc.) that is related to the product in question and describe one (1) change that you think law makers should make to the current regulations over nanotechnology.
  • Watch the video titled “Why We Need Rare Earth Elements” (3 min 18 sec) under the Rare Earth Elements terms section of the Science Corner. You can also view the video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xqoQfN9DgNs. Next, identify at least one (1) challenge (e.g., economic impact, environmental concerns, human rights, etc.) that is associated with mining rare earth elements. Suggest one (1) way for the government to mitigate the challenge in question.