In today’s world of information overload, it has never been more important for students to think critically, reason thoughtfully, and articulate their perspectives with evidence. Tug for Truth, an exercise developed by Project Zero at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, offers a practical way for educators to nurture these skills. Designed to help learners examine the strength of evidence and understand multiple viewpoints, the activity can be used in a wide range of classroom contexts — from analysing ethical dilemmas and exploring social issues to encouraging respectful debate or navigating misinformation online.
How to Facilitate the Tug for Truth Exercise
1. Introduce a statement or question that prompts different opinions
Choose a topic relevant to your subject area or current learning theme. For example, in science, you might ask, “Should we use animals in research?” In social studies, you might pose, “Is it ever acceptable to break a rule for a good cause?” The statement should invite reasoning rather than a simple yes or no response.
2. Set up the “tug-of-war” visual
Draw a rope across a board or large sheet of paper, marking one end as strongly agree and the other as strongly disagree. Students place sticky notes or cards along the rope to show where they stand. Each note should include a short statement or piece of evidence explaining their position.
3. Encourage evidence-based reasoning
Ask students to justify their placement using facts, examples, or reasoning. As new information is introduced or discussed, invite them to move their notes — showing how thinking can shift with deeper understanding.
4. Facilitate discussion and reflection
Guide students to explore why others placed their notes differently. Encourage respectful questioning and reflection: What makes a reason strong or weak? What kind of evidence is most persuasive? This helps students learn to evaluate arguments critically rather than merely defend their own view.
5. Debrief as a class
Conclude by asking students what they learned about evidence, reasoning, and open-mindedness. Highlight how this process builds skills for academic writing, ethical decision-making, and responsible online behaviour.
No Single Discussion Looks the Same
Every classroom will use Tug for Truth differently — and that’s the beauty of it. The activity is flexible, allowing teachers to adapt it for different age groups, subjects, or goals. Whether you are helping young learners reason about fairness, encouraging adolescents to think critically about media messages, or exploring moral questions in literature, the process encourages thoughtful dialogue and evidence-based thinking — skills essential for lifelong learning.
To explore the thinking framework behind this exercise, read Project Zero’s Tug for Truth thinking routine from the Harvard Graduate School of Education.
Curriculum and Guides that may be of interest:
Get a special discount by quoting code AISLMALL during CHECKOUT.
3Education: StoryTellAR
StoryTellAR is an online and remote platform designed specifically to connect offline materials seamlessly with interactive digital content, using Computer Vision (Augmented Reality). With a user-friendly user interface, curators can use their mobile phone to associate audio recordings, videos and other digital interactions such as audio, AR video plane and URL to any artworks. The corresponding digital content customised by their very own creators will pop up, making the book seamless, personalised and effective.
AlGreen: E-book
AlGreen is at the forefront of developing microalgae technology for air purification and carbon capture, driving a sustainable future. AlGreen’s ebook introduces young learners to biology’s wonders and its role in sustainability. Covering cellular and plant biology, climate science, and future biotech like carbon capture and renewable energy, it inspires environmental stewardship and a passion for protecting our planet.
Beijing Mandarin: My Fun Chinese For PreK to Grade 4
Beijing Mandarin is a well-established Hong Kong-based Chinese language school renowned for its quality instructional publications and dedication to world-class Mandarin education since 1992. My Fun Chinese for PreK to Grade 4 was created to meet the needs of young Chinese language students. We drew on over 30 years of experience teaching the Chinese language to create and publish the My Fun Chinese learning resources.
NovaAcademy: Ready-to-Go Curriculum Sets
Novalearn Limited is an EdTech company transforming education by seamlessly integrating machine learning, studio-produced edutainment, and quality STEAM education aligned with international K-12 curricula. The platform provides a comprehensive suite of teaching resources designed for fun and enriching classes, created by the NovaLearn team of experienced educators and industry experts. Each curriculum set includes Project lesson plans, Engaging videos, Interactive activity sheets and Skill-building exercises.
Oxford University Press Cambridge IGCSE/O Level/AS & A Level Exam Success Revision Guides
Oxford University Press is a department of the University of Oxford. It furthers the University’s objective of excellence in research, scholarship, and education by publishing worldwide. Cambridge Exam Success Guides from Oxford University Press provide unique exam support and revision guidance for Cambridge IGCSE & O Level and AS & A Level students. Matched to the latest Cambridge assessment criteria. Perfect for use alongside Oxford Resources for Cambridge Student Books or as a standalone resource for independent revision.
QuiverVision: Quiver Augmented Reality Coloring
QuiverVision is a one-stop shop for Augmented Reality content and lesson plans for Pre-K to Year 8 and beyond. The company develops the software behind some of the world’s leading Augmented Reality Colouring Experiences. Its premier app, “Quiver”, makes learning fun and interactive. With Quiver’s seat-based AR subscription, schools can choose from licensing options ranging from 10-500 seats, with larger packages available upon request. Students bring educational coloring pages to life via the Quiver app, creating interactive, engaging experiences. Includes school/home access and curriculum-aligned plans, fostering creativity, skills, and knowledge retention.
Special Learning - Trainings, curriculum, materials and resources for educators
Special Learning is passionate about changing the lives of people with Autism and other special needs. The company delivers an exceptional suite of educational solutions designed for ABA practitioners, educators and parents. Through its leading-edge technology platforms, Special Learning enables users around the world to access high-quality educational products and services without geographical limitations.
