Something different this week, but something fun too!
Have you ever imagined being in a difficult situation where you have to make a choice that could save lives? That’s the idea behind a “balloon debate.”
What is a Balloon Debate?
A balloon debate is a fun and interesting exercise where a group of people imagine they are in a hot air balloon that is losing height quickly and is about to crash. To survive, someone must be thrown out of the balloon to make it lighter. Each person in the balloon is a famous person or a character, and they have to argue why they should be allowed to stay. The audience then decides who gets to stay and who has to go.
The goal of a balloon debate is not just to win, but to practice your public speaking, learn how to persuade others, and think creatively. You have to be quick on your feet and use your imagination!
Our Situation: A “Lost Ship”
The scenario we’re looking at is a special kind of balloon debate, but instead of a hot air balloon, we are on a sinking ship. A fire has destroyed the radio, and the ship will sink within two hours. The only lifeboat can only hold five people, and it takes 45 minutes to launch. To make things even more dramatic, the water is full of sharks, so you can’t just jump in. The nearest land is a tropical island 30 kilometres away.
Your task is to choose which five people will get a spot in the lifeboat. This is a difficult decision because each person on the ship is unique, with their own skills, personal history, and items that they are carrying. You must remember that an individual’s personal belongings cannot be transferred to someone else; they must stay with the owner.
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