Who wants some work duty? Day Four

With the threat of trash detail hanging over their heads, the ATM lab turned in spectacular negative cases.  It is seriously impressive that 13 kids managed to turn in negative cases and 20 cards.  And, I, Katherine Thompson, just want to publicly say that I appreciate the effort.  Now for the summary of the day…

The ATM lab showed up for an exciting morning lecture where cross-examination was the topic of discussion.  The critically acclaimed critical expert, lab leader Nathan Abell, read a slightly complex case for the students to flow.  Afterwards, the kids were given a chance to ask Nathan questions about his case.  Katie did an excellent job of really attacking the fundamental assumption of the case.  It was so impressive that she earned a wonderful prize.  This blog shout out!  After learning the fundamentals of cross-examination, the students went to article group and enjoyed an extended lunch.  The afternoon was spent in the library and computer lab diligently working.  Michael, Ashira and Wyatt put excellent effort into their case writing and research.  Hopefully, we will see the results.  Following an extended break for dinner, the ATM lab convened for a lecture on rebuttals.  Because the lab leaders were not only gorgeously attractive, but also exceptionally skilled in rebuttals, the students only learned the techniques of giving the first affirmative rebuttal (1AR).  However, it was clear that the lecture encompassed every possible aspect of the 1AR.  It was also nice to hear several students adamantly excited about the lecture and the possibility of improving their rebuttal speeches.  Don't worry students; you have many more rebuttal lectures to come!

A Favorable Northerly Wind: Day Three

Charging onward into Day Three of The Mean Green Debate Machine students were challenged with multiple lab meetings and their first large block of research time in UNT's excellent library.  The morning lab spent time actively engaging in the intricacies of advanced case construction.  One of the major topics explored the word "ought".  Specifically, does the lack of capability to fulfill an obligation make it no longer obligatory?  Ian engaged in a mental exercise trying to disprove the validity of Peter Singer's assumption: that a multiple amputee cannot save a drowning baby.  I do not remember all of the humorous details, but I do recall something about floating to the child and hoping for a favorable northerly wind.  After dinner, professors Abell, Thompson and Melin hammered home their expectations for the assignment due tomorrow morning.  Students were dismayed to learn that the lab leaders were serious about the assignment alluded to the day before: to complete a rough draft of their negative case accompanied 10 affirmative and 10 negative cards.  Although the bar keeps getting raised higher, we have no doubt that the ATM lab will persevere.

 

You Can't Stop The Beat: Day Two

As we entered Day Two of the Mean Green Debate Workshop Extravaganza, the students eyes shone with the sad realization that practice rounds begin on Sunday, meaning that case construction became all the more urgent. Before that, though, students met with their fabulous lab leaders Professors Abell, Melin, and Thompson to discuss the also fabulous demo round last night, hacking through the complicated affirmative constructive presented by Mr. O'Neal and the brilliant responses of the lovely Miss Mullins. After lab, the students enjoyed an amazing lecture on the pro's and con's of globalization, given by the fantastically inspired Josh Anderson. Following lunch, the students and lab leaders met again, to discuss affirmative casing and strategy, after which they spent a few hours at the library, preparing the affirmative drafts that are due tomorrow morning. While the trip back from the library was slightly delayed due to an absolute flood of rain, the students quickly ate dinner and then returned to lab, where negative casing and strategy was discussed. The day concluded with students working with lab leaders one-on-one, to complete the assignments due over the next few days, namely the affirmative case due Wednesday, and the negative case and twenty pieces of evidence due Thursday.

Day One of the Money (or the Nathan Abell, Katherine Thompson, Eric Melin Lab)

Today the students in the Eric Melin, Nathan Abell, and Katherine Thompson lab experienced the diverse activities that the Mean Green University of Texas Lincoln Douglas Debate Workshop has to offer. First, the students arrived for morning lab. After a brief discussion of strengths and weaknesses, the students brainstormed names for the lab. Given that the initials of the lab leaders are ATM, we decided that lab name should have something to do with money. Next, the students received an amazing topic analysis. The lab leaders managed to not only discuss the camp topic, but also how to conduct a review of the topic in general. Special recognition goes out to Jonathan for being on the ball during lecture. We also appreciate the wonderful contributions of Elliot, Katie and Thomas. The lab also made the trek to obtain photo ids. Along the way, the lab learned that there are no stragglers, only children taking their sweet time. After a break for lunch, the effortlessly commanding Dr. Scott Robinson treated the students to a Research Lecture. Later on, during lab, Mr. Abell, Mr. Melin, and Ms. Thompson gave the kids further instruction on how to effectively use online databases. Upon completion of lab research tutorial, students received an hour in the computer lab to explore topic literature. Following dinner, the lab joined the rest of the camp to listen to a panel discussion on the topic and a practice debate featuring the gorgeous Liz Mullins and the Strake-a-licious and Church Hillin' Shane O'Neal.