Objec&ve

Par%cipants will use the Snowball technique to generate ideas with suppor%ng jus%ca%on in order to solve a problem.

Discussion Technique: Snowball

Allows quieter students to voice their opinions in smaller groups and build up to a whole-class discussion Directs discussion for complex problem- solving

Discussion format

Scenario
There is a category ve hurricane (similar to Katrina) approaching a major city on the Gulf Coast. The civil engineers who constructed the levees are standing by with ve days to design a test to evaluate whether it meets the design specica%ons. Within the ve days they must use the results to modify the prototype to op%mize the solu%on.

On day two, the engineering team must communicate the design through a wriMen, oral, or visual presenta%on to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). By day four, the team must develop plans including drawing measurements and details of construc%on, and construct a model of the solu%on.

Problem
In the past, the levees have been able to withstand the force of category 4 storms and below, but have never experienced a category 5 storm. The engineers are not sure the levees will be able to withstand the force of the storm. Develop a solu&on to protect the two mile span of land that is inhabited by 1,000 residents.

Pairs
Discuss your thoughts on possible solu%ons.

Fours
Come to a consensus on the best proposed solu%on.

Eights
Agree on the best solu%on.

Whole Class Discussion

Discuss and support each solu%on to reach a whole group consensus.

Exit Ticket
On the index card provided, please list: 1 PRO that you have about this discussion technique. 1 CON that you have about this discussion technique. 1 ques%on or applica%on that you have for this discussion technique.

References
Snowball Discussion Technique
hMp://www.talkscience.org.uk/techniques/

Picture 1- The Levees are Breached

hMp://www.hurricanekatrina.com/

Picture 2- Levees in New Orleans

hMp://www.commondreams.org/headlines06/ 0112-15.htm