Should We Stop Changing the Clocks?

1. Set Focus
Frame the inquiry with these essential questions: How does sunlight affect how we organize our daily activities?

2. Read and Discuss
Have students read the debate and then answer the following questions:

• What is the issue being debated? How does it relate to current events? (The issue is whether the U.S. should stop switching back and forth between standard time and daylight saving time (DST) each year. The issue is timely because we are about to make the switch to DST.)

• Evaluate why these two authors might be interested in and qualified to comment on this issue. (As a professor of neuroscience, Joseph S. Takahashi understands the brain and how sunlight and changing clocks affect it. David Prerau wrote a book about the history of DST and, therefore, has a deep knowledge of the pros and cons of switching clocks.) 

• Analyze Takahashi’s view. (Takahashi argues that we should stop changing the clocks. He says the twice-a-year clock switching adversely affects our health, leading to an increase in traffic accidents and heart attacks in the days immediately following each switch. He says that staying on standard time is the healthiest option, as our circadian rhythms are aligned to standard time.)

• Analyze Prerau’s view. (Prerau argues that we should continue switching between standard time and DST because doing so allows us to maximize our use of daylight hours throughout the year. He says the adverse health effects from switching clocks last just a few days and that traffic accidents and crime go down during DST.)

4. Writing Prompt
In an essay, evaluate one of the debaters’ arguments. Assess whether the reasoning is valid and whether it’s supported with evidence. Point out biases or missing information.

5. Classroom Debate
Should we stop changing the clocks twice a year? Have students use the authors’ ideas, as well as their own, in a debate.

6. Vote
Go online to vote in Upfront’s poll—and see how students across the country voted.