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*This listing is for students who are interested in attending this Think Tank: Speech and Debate class only. If you have already enrolled your student in the Epic Day for 5th-8th Graders, then there is no need to purchase this option.
Overview
Think Tank teaches students how to think carefully, communicate confidently, and build strong arguments. Students will investigate common reasoning mistakes, including strawman arguments, appeals to emotion, personal attacks, bandwagon thinking, loaded questions, and false dilemmas.
Students will work in small “Debate Houses” as they analyze advertisements, examine claims, build persuasive speeches, practice cross-examination, and participate in friendly debates. The course emphasizes active learning, teamwork, and respectful disagreement, with all preparation completed during class.
Skills Learned:
Distinguish facts, opinions, claims, and evidence
Identify common logical fallacies in speech and writing
Construct clear, well-supported arguments
Use reliable evidence and evaluate sources
Write persuasive hooks and short speeches
Ask thoughtful cross-examination questions
Respond calmly to opposing viewpoints
Recognize emotional manipulation and personal attacks
Refute weak arguments without attacking the speaker
Speak clearly and confidently before a group
Collaborate with teammates during debate preparation
Think quickly and communicate ideas respectfully
Curriculum taught:
The Tuttle Twins Guide to Logical Fallacies,
Class expectations
*Families involved in this class will be asked to sign a code of conduct agreement so that they know there is an expectation to act responsibly during instruction at PPS.
Timeline
This class begins Sept. 2nd, 2026 and runs until Dec. 9th, 2026 . This class runs every Wednesday from 1130am-1220pm with a class break (no school) the week of Nov. 25th for a total of 14 classes.
*class supply fees included
*This listing is for students who are interested in attending this Think Tank: Speech and Debate class only. If you have already enrolled your student in the Epic Day for 5th-8th Graders, then there is no need to purchase this option.
Overview
Think Tank teaches students how to think carefully, communicate confidently, and build strong arguments. Students will investigate common reasoning mistakes, including strawman arguments, appeals to emotion, personal attacks, bandwagon thinking, loaded questions, and false dilemmas.
Students will work in small “Debate Houses” as they analyze advertisements, examine claims, build persuasive speeches, practice cross-examination, and participate in friendly debates. The course emphasizes active learning, teamwork, and respectful disagreement, with all preparation completed during class.
Skills Learned:
Distinguish facts, opinions, claims, and evidence
Identify common logical fallacies in speech and writing
Construct clear, well-supported arguments
Use reliable evidence and evaluate sources
Write persuasive hooks and short speeches
Ask thoughtful cross-examination questions
Respond calmly to opposing viewpoints
Recognize emotional manipulation and personal attacks
Refute weak arguments without attacking the speaker
Speak clearly and confidently before a group
Collaborate with teammates during debate preparation
Think quickly and communicate ideas respectfully
Curriculum taught:
The Tuttle Twins Guide to Logical Fallacies,
Class expectations
*Families involved in this class will be asked to sign a code of conduct agreement so that they know there is an expectation to act responsibly during instruction at PPS.
Timeline
This class begins Sept. 2nd, 2026 and runs until Dec. 9th, 2026 . This class runs every Wednesday from 1130am-1220pm with a class break (no school) the week of Nov. 25th for a total of 14 classes.
*class supply fees included