For another academic year, the Science Centre, DLAP has organised a full series of socio-scientific debates called ‘Thematic STEM Debate’. The aim of this initiative is to engage students to become active critical thinkers while reflecting on the social impact of science and technology on our lives. Before the debate students are encouraged to go through any suggested readings or audio-visual material provided and conduct further research on the topic being debated. The most recent debates were the ones organised for Middle and Primary School students, following an earlier debate for students in secondary schools.
Indeed, on Wednesday 25th January, the Primary Science Team organised a Thematic STEM Debate entitled ‘Space Exploration: Is it worth the investment?’. This was held at St Clare College St Julians Primary School, where 18 students representing different primary schools participated. At the end of a truly insightful debate, a team of judges selected the top three debaters who were (in alphabetical order):
- Jacob Buttigieg, (St Thomas More College, Fgura Primary B)
- Ġużeppi Grech, (Gozo College, Qala Primary)
- Jamie Grima, (Maria Regina College, Naxxar Primary)
Earlier in December, a similar debate for Middle School students was organised. This time round the theme debated was ‘Technology in the Life of Teens’. The event was held at the Future Classroom Lab, Middle School, Ħandaq. All 12 participants were very well prepared, resulting in a highly engaging and interesting debate. In this case the top three debaters were (in alphabetical order):
- Nadine Cassar, (St Thomas More College, Middle School, Tarxien)
- Joaquin Cutajar, (St Benedict College, Middle School, Kirkop)
- Mattea Saliba, (St Clare College, National Sport School, Pembroke)
All top debaters for Primary and Middle Schools were awarded a set of wireless headphones each, sponsored by HSBC Malta Foundation. All participating debaters received a certificate of participation.
