If all the mined gold in the world was melted across a football field, it would rise 5.4 feet. That's just one interesting fact pupils learn when using the debate topics website to determine if the United States should return to a gold standard. They view readers' opinions on the debate and weigh the pros and cons of the issue. A handy graph details the price of gold versus inflation and currency in circulation.

Concepts

gold, money, currency, united states currency, debate, preparing for discussions

Show More Show Less

Additional Tags

english language arts

Show More Show Less

Instructional Ideas

• Discuss effective public speaking strategies, such as maintaining eye contact, good posture, and a clear speaking voice 
• Print a picture of the first United States gold coin, the 1795 Gold Eagle

Classroom Considerations

• Requires computer and Internet access for research, as well as headphones
• Time needed for the activity may vary

Pros

• Includes a gallery of pro and con videos 
• Provides footnotes and sources for extended research opportunities 

Cons

• None

Common Core

RI.9-10.1 RI.11-12.1 SL.9-10.1.a SL.11-12.1.a