In-class Debate Info: Using Hydraulic Fracturing for Hydrocarbon Extraction Your Assignment:

We will be having an in-class debate on using hydraulic fracturing (aka fracking) for hydrocarbon extraction. Each student will be assigned a role that they represent during the debate (pro or for and con or against) and prepare for the debate by reading articles from REPUTABLE sources. Each student must prepare a short, researched position paper, 300 - 500 words in abstract format, plus a bibliography, from the point of view of your assigned role. You must cite references in your paper and corresponding bibiliography. Online and print articles are both valid - no blog sources, un-cited web articles, or Wikipedia (use the sources cited by Wikipedia!). Feel free to utilize the extensive campus library resources.

In the email I have given you a role, pro or for and con or against, based on you last names. If your last name starts with A you are pro, if your last name starts with Z you are con, and depending on your class the difference between pro and con is listed for each class. For Example pro: A - Lin con: Liu

- Varyas.

You will be representing the views of the role you have been assigned, even if this is in opposition to your personal view. You should come to class prepared to speak in support of your position (e.g. notecards with talking points). It would also be a good idea to prepare a rebuttal for possible questions or concerns other people might have about your position. You should be prepared to cite the source of any facts, numbers, or statistics that you present during the debate or in your write-up. You must speak on your position during the debate to pass this portion of the lab. Remember that this debate has a combined written and oral participation value of 24 points (two labs). There will be no makeup session for the debate. Contact me immediately if you have a prior commitment that will prevent you from attending.

Debate Format:

The class will be split in half and given pro/con drilling roles. The hour for your debate will be spent as follows:

Intro to fracking - 5-10 minutes

Opening statements and discourse with moderator (TA) - 30 minutes Open discussion - open time (~10 minutes)

Closing statements - 5-10 minutes

In your opening statement, clearly and concisely explain your position on the issue of hydraulic fracturing, using your sources where appropriate and be prepared to rebuttal. After opening statements, be prepared to discuss with the opposing group.

Debate Rules:

You must not interrupt others when they are talking. Everyone must talk at least once.

Some sources:

This is a video and short article about natural gas:

http://news.sciencemag.org/climate/2014/02/live-chat-natural-gas-energy-solution-or-climate- threat

This is the scientific paper that the above article is from:

http://news.sciencemag.org/earth/2014/02/natural-gas-coal-good-climate-trade-despite-leaks- researchers-argue

This is a video on democracynow.org, a great website for you to check out, you can search "hydraulic" or "fracking":

http://www.democracynow.org/2013/1/4/is_fracking_safe_debate_on_controversial

Question to consider:

Here are some things to think about while reading articles and preparing for the debate. You do not have to answer all of them, but being familiar with them will help you form a stronger argument. They will also help you when writing your abstract.

What is hydraulic fracturing (fracking)? When and why was it established? How does fracking differ from past techniques of natural gas extraction?

What are some of our energy alternatives?

What does natural gas as a source of energy in America do for our international policy? What is the impact of fracking on the environment?

How much gas could be accessed by drilling? Who has determined these estimates? How much variation is there in the estimates that different groups have made?

What would be the cost of setting up fracking sites? Consider monetary costs in terms of building the infrastructure, and also intangible costs, such as how it affects people/communities near possible fracking sites.

Who or what will benefit from using fracking to extract hydrocarbons, and how will they benefit? How many jobs will drilling create? How long will these jobs last?