Tehachapi News

larger view

Students at Carden School of Tehachapi have strong opinions about issues that are important to them...lunch and recess. However, the 7th graders recently learned about other issues that could affect their lives as well as a very important lesson.

After discussing the election process of the United States with the classroom, 7th grade teacher Maddy Bowles went a step further and provided a lesson on differences between fact and opinion. She then privately asked each student for their party affiliation and split the students into two groups. However, with a remarkable twist that only a teacher could conceive, Mrs. Bowles placed each student with the party opposite their stated political affiliation. One student from each group was assigned an issue. The issues included the Iraq war, abortion, social security, same sex marriage, immigration, and health care. The students had to research their assigned topic and be prepared to defend their assigned “party” line. 

“It forced the students to familiarize themselves with another political viewpoint,” said Mrs. Bowles.

The 8th graders were then invited to judge the debate that took place on Jan. 22. The debaters were so well prepared and were so convincing in their arguments that the 8th graders truly believed that the 7th graders were correctly placed with their true party affiliation. 

“They were really good!” said one 8th grader.

Teacher Maddy Bowles was amazed with the results.

“It was wonderful!” she exclaimed. “They did their homework and came to the debate well prepared. This assignment put them in an uncomfortable situation, but it did open their eyes to different views and to subtle differences between fact and opinion. They learned to investigate an issue and learn the facts before taking a position on it.”

The winners of the debate are being treated to a special lunch by Mrs. Bowles. The next student debate will be held on primary day between the 7th and 8th graders. The entire student body will be holding primary elections on Super Tuesday, voting for the actual candidates.  Results will be announced on Wednesday. So goes Carden, so goes the nation!

However, the students remain committed, without question, without investigation, to one issue: Lunch and recess are still the number one priority.