ABSTRACT

Take a Stand! (grades 9-12) helps teens develop critical thinking skills by examining debates on issues directly relevant to their lives (that you won't find in most classroom materials). Each chapter:

  • Covers an important topic relating to electronics, sex, mental health, and relationships.
  • Presents a question for debate, such as "Should kids choose their own religion?" and "Is it possible to love more than one person?"
  • Shows how each issue might arise in an ordinary teen conversation.
  • Presents and explores two or more opposed answers to philosophical debates.
  • Encourages high school students to develop their own positions while learning to appreciate other perspectives.

Throughout the book, the chapter contributors—all current or recent teens themselves—highlight key definitions, quote compelling sources, and diagram the central arguments. Each chapter includes discussion questions to guide arguments, as well as helpful sidebars and illustrations to increase comprehension. Perfect for inspiring classroom discussion of topics that matter to today's teens.

Grades 9-12

chapter |9 pages

Introduction

part I|29 pages

Technology

chapter Chapter 1|6 pages

Are Video Games a Waste of Time?

chapter Chapter 2|6 pages

Is It Rude to Text in Class?

chapter Chapter 3|7 pages

Should Parents Limit Kids' Screen Time?

chapter Chapter 4|7 pages

Should Teachers Be Replaced With Technology?

part II|27 pages

Mental Health

part III|28 pages

Relationships

chapter Chapter 9|7 pages

What Is the Purpose of Friendship?

chapter Chapter 10|6 pages

Is It Wrong to Be Selfish?

chapter Chapter 11|5 pages

Is It Wrong to Eat Meat?

chapter Chapter 12|6 pages

What Do People Owe to the Environment?

part IV|31 pages

Sex

chapter Chapter 13|7 pages

What Is Gender?

chapter Chapter 14|8 pages

Is Monogamy Necessary?

chapter Chapter 15|6 pages

Is Pornography Immoral?

chapter Chapter 16|7 pages

When Is a Person Ready to Have Sex?