Break the class into two groups: Indigenous community members and farmers. Present the following scenario to each group:

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Government officials in Brazil are willing to hear arguments about how a plot of land on the border of the Amazon rainforest will be used. All arguments must address how land use will impact the environment and Brazil’s economy. Both are major priorities for the officials and their constituents.

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Have students prepare and present arguments that address the following questions:

1. How should the land be managed, and why?

2. How will this plan for the land enrich Brazil’s economy, while also minimizing damage to the rainforest?

3. Why should you, and not other groups, manage this project?
   
   Source: https://pulitzercenter.org/builder/lesson/research-and-debate-battle-over-land-brazilian-amazon-25288

 

Other debate activity: Making a Decision about Building a road in the Amazon 2hrs and 30 mins, grades 9-12+ / National Geographic Activity
Students will analyze a real-world environmental case of building a road through the Amazon rain forest. They will explore the geographical, cultural, and environmental context of building the road, identify the stakeholders and their role and impact, and map out the intended and unintended consequences from the decision that they make. This page and lesson overview includes the necessary learning materials on mahogany, environmental impacts, and indigenous peoples stakeholders so they students are informed entering the debate. Find a step by step guide here: https://www.nationalgeographic.org/lesson/making-decision-about-building-road-amazon/