Research Notes

I. Consider your position on the United States use of the atomic weapons. Do you think it
was justified, or unnecessary? State your position.

II. Research

Use the following chart to record the three strongest reasons that support your opinion, and
to record detailed information. Make sure to cite where you located your research, and
that you are using valid sources.

Reasons Supporting Evidence

III. Considering the Opposing Side

Good arguments will consider the other side, and prepare for ways to refute it. Record what
you believe to be the opposing sides strongest argument, and record how you will refute it.
This should also contain research with valid, credible sources.

Reason Supporting Evidence Against It

 Fish Bowl Discussion Procedures

Now that you have had time to gather your thoughts and to form a strong argument, we will explore
how to use this information to defend your position verbally. Using the information, you have gathered,
we will engage in a Fish Bowl Discussion. The following information explains roles and expectations for
each part of the discussion.

The Inner Circle

The inner circle will be responsible for discussing their opinions. First, we will go around the circle and
everyone will present the strongest evidence to support their opinion. Next, you will address one
another, and attempt to refute those with opposing views in a discussion. When the time if up, the
inner circle will meet with the middle circle. You will discuss the strongest, most compelling evidence
for each side, and why it is so. Findings will be recorded in the provided handout.

The Middle Circle

The middle circle will closely observe the discussion, and record the most compelling arguments for
either side. You will also note why they found the evidence to be strong and compelling. When time is
up, those from the middle circle will share their findings with the inner circle.

The Outer Circle

When part of the outer circle you will focus on styles of communication and the inner circle participants
actions. You will observe and note what behaviors you felt where helpful to the discussion, and were
examples of good discussion etiquette. You will also note which behaviors need improvement. You
should NOT use your peers names! Only note behaviors. When time is up, you will meet with the
teacher to discuss what was seen.
 Fish Bowl Guide

I. The Inner Circle

Use the following space to jot down important points from the discussion with the middle
circle following the fish bowl.

II. The Middle Circle

Use the following space to record arguments you found compelling, and the evidence. Be
sure to explain why you think it is a strong argument.

Position (+ or -) Reason Evidence Why is it

compelling?

III. The Outer Circle

Use the following organizer to record positive and negative discussion behaviors you
observed. Be sure to record why you think this.

Kind of Behavior Behavior Description Why was it beneficial or hurtful

(+ or -) to the discussion?
 Final Essay

Using your own research, and notes form the Fish Bowl Discussion, you will now write a final essay. This
page is designed to help you format your essay, and to explain how it will be graded. This essay is worth
a total of 20 points.

1. Introductory Paragraph (4 points total)

a. In this paragraph, you will explain what your point of view is regarding the United
States use of atomic weapons. (1 point)
b. The paragraph will include a list of the 3 strongest reasons for your conclusion that you
will expand upon in the essay. (3 points)
2. First Reason and Supporting Evidence. ( 4 points total)
a. In this paragraph you will explain one of the reasons that supports your point of view. (1
point)
b. You will provide supporting evidence from your personal research, and/or the fish bowl
discussion. (3 points)
3. Second Reason and Supporting Evidence. (4 points total)
a. In this paragraph you will explain one of the reasons that supports your point of view. (1
point)
b. You will provide supporting evidence from your personal research, and/or the fish bowl
discussion. (3 points)
4. Acknowledging the Opposite Side (4 points total)
a. Explain the most compelling argument for the opposite side (1 point).
b. Provide evidence and logic to refute this argument (3 points)
5. Discussing Discussion Behaviors (4 points total)
a. Describe the behaviors you observed during the discussion as the outer circle. (2 points)
b. Discuss which behaviors you felt were positive or negative, and why. (2 points).