Author Laura Conaway

Subject Library
Grade Level/Course 10th grade
Title Pro/Con Books and Databases
Standards AASL

Think, Engage

1. Evaluating information for accuracy, validity, social and

cultural context, and appropriateness for need.

Share, Explore

1. Expressing curiosity about a topic of personal interest or

curricular relevance.

PDE SAS

Standard - CC.1.2.11-12.G

Integrate and evaluate multiple sources of information

presented in different media or formats (e.g. visually,
quantitatively) as well as in words in order to address a
question or solve a problem.

Standard - CC.1.2.11-12.B

Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of

what the text says explicitly as well as inferences and
conclusions based on and related to an author’s implicit and
explicit assumptions and beliefs

ISTE

Empowered Learner
1.D. Understand the fundamental concepts of
technology operations, demonstrate the ability to
choose, use and troubleshoot current technologies and
are able to transfer their knowledge to explore emerging
technologies.

Digital Citizen
 2. C. Demonstrate an understanding of and respect for
the rights and obligations of using and sharing
intellectual property.

Knowledge Constructor
3.B. Evaluate the accuracy, perspective, credibility and
relevance of information, media, data or other
resources.
Objectives Students will be able to…
1. Explain what opposing viewpoint topic they are writing
their paper on, what side they are arguing for, and
participate in the pro/con activity to demonstrate their
understanding of the information.
Duration 40 minutes
Materials 1. Teacher computer
2. Projector
3. Pro/Con books
4. Opposing Viewpoints by Gale Database
5. Pro/Con Questions for activity
6. Agree or Disagree signs for activity
7. Destiny Catalog
8. Pro/Con Topic slip of paper
9. Student computers
Instructional Strategies and 1. Welcome students to the library and direct them to the
Procedures back right classroom area. Tell them to get out their
chromebooks but keep them closed.
2. Explain that we will be going over pro/con and
opposing viewpoint topics and how to find them in the
database and collection.
3. Tell the students that to get them thinking about
different topics and ways to write the paper, we will be
doing a brief activity.
a. If they agree with the statement I say, they will
go to the agree side and if they disagree, they
will go to the side that has the disagree poster.
i. I will also have one person from each
side explain their reasoning.
b. Listed below are the topics and statements:
i. School Start Times
1. High Schools should start later
because teenagers need more
sleep and students are up later for
sports and homework.
ii. Cell Phones in Schools
 1. Cell phones should not be
permitted during the school day
because it distracts from focusing
on assignments.
iii. Organic Food
1. Organic food should be sold at a
lower cost so all socioeconomic
statuses can decide what type of
food to purchase.
iv. Self-driving Cars
1. Self-driving cars are dangerous
and can cause serious problems
because the driver has no control​.
4. After completing the activity, students may go back to
their seats.
a. Explain that these statements should be how
they are thinking when developing their stance
and reasoning. They should have a topic with
what side they are taking, the because or reason
why, and then back it up with information and
statistics like they did when explaining their
reasoning behind choosing agree or disagree.
5. Next, take them to the Gale Opposing Viewpoints
database through Clever. Explain that this site will be
helpful when looking for information. Tell them that the
activity topics were taken straight from this database.
6. Show them that they can browse issues by scrolling
down to the broad topics.
a. Click on the organic food tab under the health
section.
b. Show students that they can access opinions,
academic articles, websites, etc.
7. Ask if there are any questions on this section of the
resources.
8. Now go to the Destiny Catalog and explain that they
can find pro/con books on here.
a. Ask a student for a topic suggestion.
b. When the search results come up, explain that
the call number should have the PC next to it.
That’s how to know it’s pro/con book.
9. Show students where the pro/con books are and remind
them the books will have a green spine label.
10. Give them the citation cheat sheet for when citing the
pro/con books.

Assessment
Accommodations for
Exceptional Students
Resources used to create lesson
a. Students are allowed to have one of these books
out for three weeks.
11. Ask students if they have any questions? See if they
have any ideas for what they are thinking of doing.
12. Distribute the slip of paper that students will fill out
with their topic and which side they are taking.
13. Dismiss students a minute before the bell.
1. Students will display their understanding of pro/con
topics by participating in the opening activity discussion
and fill out a sheet at the end of class indicating what
their topic will be and what side they will be taking on
the situation.
Students with accommodations listed will be followed per IEP.
● Frequent movement breaks
● Cues to stay on task
● Preferential seating
● Simplified tests and instructions
● Information and tests read aloud
Opposing viewpoints Gale database
Destiny Catalog
Name: __________________________________________________

Pro/Con Topic: _____________________________________________________________

What side are you taking on the topic?____________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

Name: __________________________________________________

Pro/Con Topic: _____________________________________________________________

What side are you taking on the topic?____________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

Name: __________________________________________________

Pro/Con Topic: _____________________________________________________________

What side are you taking on the topic?____________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________
AGREE
DISAGREE