Debate kit - are we too clean?

This kit encourages students consider and investigate some of the main issues surrounding the use of antimicrobial cleaners and antibiotics. Role play gives students a chance to explore the different sides of the issue and compare others’ points of view, as well as considering social, ethical and factual issues in an integrated way. Included in the kit are eight debate cards outlining the opinions of a number of different fictional characters with an interest in food security. The question posed for the debate is: Should we ban advertising of antimicrobial cleaners?

Arguing for a ban on advertising:

• Dr Shane Cornish – Allergist

• Gareth Knol – Healthcare campaigner

• Prof Mandy Clough – Epidemiologist

• Rowena Cheung – Green campaigner

Arguing against a ban on advertising:

• Bart Stevenson – Manufacturer

• Elaine Hopper – Mother of asthmatic children

• Prof Oscar Mondale – Microbiologist

• Ann Griffin – Libertarian Campaigner

Curriculum links include infectious diseases, microbes, immune system, antibiotics, allergies.