Using scientific debate focuses students on the real-life applications and implications of science and increases their reasoning skills, presentation skills, and science content knowledge. In this article, the author defines an "argument" as a position based on evidence and a "debate" as a formal setting in which two teams present their arguments using a specific format. To engage in a debate, students must understand the concepts so they can address pros and cons of the argument and develop a rebuttal to the opposing side's arguments. Classroom debate is an instructional strategy that engages students in scientific argumentation. Using scientific debate focuses students on the real-life applications and implications of science. Obtaining, evaluating, and presenting information is a key practice identified in "A Framework for K-12 Science Education: Practices, Crosscutting Concepts, and Core Ideas" (NRC 2012). When students participate in debates, they are required to examine issues from an argumentative standpoint and justify their position.