The purpose of the activity is to encourage students to (1) engage in a scientific literature review, in this case the mass extinction event that marks the boundary between the Cretaceous and Tertiary periods; (2) apply their understanding of that event to a current issue that requires policy action regarding a potentially costly engineering solution; and (3) formulate, present and defend evidence-based arguments in support of, or against, the proposed solution. Students are issued a challenge scenario. Students are given roles (Senators, lobbyists, expert witnesses, and reporters) to participate in a mock senate hearing and deliver their presentations in a debate format. The assessment and extension activities need a password to be accessible.