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Ethical Equation

Lesson Plan

Equation Framework

Students will use the Ethical Equation framework to deconstruct and analyze real-world ethical dilemmas into step-by-step equations, fostering clear, logical reasoning for responsible decisions.

By practicing this structured approach, 10th graders strengthen their problem-solving and responsible decision-making skills—essential for navigating complex moral choices in everyday life.

Audience

10th Grade Student

Time

20 minutes

Approach

Equation-based analysis

Materials

Prep

Review Materials

5 minutes

Step 1

Introduction

3 minutes

  • Briefly discuss the importance of responsible decision-making.
  • Introduce the Ethical Equation framework: define variables (factors), operators (ethical weight), and outcomes.
  • Show a simple example scenario to illustrate.

Step 2

Guided Practice

7 minutes

  • Project a sample dilemma and walk through the steps:
    1. Identify factors and assign each a variable.
    2. Determine ethical weights (positive/negative) as operators.
    3. Form the equation to compare outcomes.
  • Use Step-by-Step Breakdown to scaffold.
  • Ask the student to suggest the next step at each stage.

Step 3

Independent Practice

7 minutes

  • Provide two new dilemmas via Dilemma Equations.
  • Student works individually to:
    1. List factors and variables.
    2. Assign ethical weights and build equations.
    3. Solve and choose a course of action with justification.
  • Circulate (virtually or in person) to offer support if needed.

Step 4

Reflection

3 minutes

  • Have the student compare their solutions to the Answer Explanations.
  • Prompt discussion: What surprised you? Would you change any weightings or factors?
  • Encourage the student to articulate how this framework can apply to real-life decisions.
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Slide Deck

Step-by-Step Breakdown

An easy-to-follow guide to break ethical dilemmas into equations:

• Define factors as variables
• Assign ethical weights (operators)
• Build and evaluate the equation

Use this process to make clear, responsible decisions.

Introduce the purpose of this mini-deck: to guide students through each phase of the Ethical Equation framework with a sample scenario and prompts.

Framework Overview

  1. Identify key factors in a dilemma (variables)
  2. Determine ethical weight for each (positive/negative value)
  3. Form an equation comparing possible outcomes
  4. Solve and choose the best option based on the result

This logical structure promotes consistency and clarity.

Give students a high-level view before diving into details.

Example Scenario

You find a lost wallet on the school grounds containing $50 and the owner’s ID.

What factors would you consider before deciding what to do?

• Personal gain vs. honesty
• Feelings of remorse or reputation
• Possible consequences for you and the wallet’s owner

Present a relatable scenario. Ask students to think: What matters most here?

Step 1: Identify Factors & Variables

• List every relevant factor in the scenario.
– e.g., Keeping the money, Returning the wallet
• Assign each factor a variable:
f₁ = personal gain
f₂ = honesty/reputation
f₃ = potential guilt

Guide students: show how to extract factors and assign variables.

Step 2: Assign Ethical Weights

• Decide if each factor is positive (+) or negative (–).
• Estimate a weight (e.g., 1–5) for its impact:
– personal gain (f₁): +3
– honesty/reputation (f₂): +5
– potential guilt (f₃): –2

Weights reflect importance in your decision.

Explain how different ethical considerations can be quantified.

Step 3: Form & Evaluate Equation

Construct the equation:

Outcome₁ (keep wallet) = f₁(+3) + f₃(–2) = +1
Outcome₂ (return wallet) = f₂(+5) = +5

Compare results:
+1 vs. +5 → returning yields higher ethical score.

Show how to combine variables and weights into an equation.

Practice Prompt

Dilemma A: Your friend asks you to cover for them skipping class.

Dilemma B: You see someone cheating on a test.

For each:

  1. List factors & variables
  2. Assign ethical weights
  3. Build the equation and evaluate
  4. Decide and justify your choice

Encourage students to apply steps on their own with new dilemmas.

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Worksheet

Dilemma Equations

Use the Equation Framework and the Step-by-Step Breakdown to analyze the following dilemmas. For each:

  1. List factors and assign variables.
  2. Assign ethical weights.
  3. Build the equation.
  4. Choose the best action and justify your choice.

Dilemma A: Your friend asks you to cover for them skipping class.

  1. List factors & variables:








  1. Assign ethical weights (variable = weight):








  1. Build the equation for each option:
  • Outcome 1 (cover friend): … = …




  • Outcome 2 (tell on friend): … = …




  1. Action & justification:












Dilemma B: You see someone cheating on a test.

  1. List factors & variables:








  1. Assign ethical weights (variable = weight):








  1. Build the equation for each option:
  • Outcome 1 (report cheating): … = …




  • Outcome 2 (ignore and move on): … = …




  1. Action & justification:












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Answer Key

Answer Explanations

Use these model solutions to compare with your own equations and reasoning. Each explanation follows the steps in the Equation Framework.

Dilemma A: Your friend asks you to cover for them skipping class.

1. Identify Factors & Variables

• f₁ = Loyalty to friend (covering them shows loyalty)
• f₂ = Honesty/Integrity (telling the truth)
• f₃ = Academic Responsibility (upholding school rules)
• f₄ = Personal Consequences (risk of punishment if caught)

2. Assign Ethical Weights

(Scale –5 to +5; positive = supports the action, negative = opposes it)

VariableCover FriendTell on Friend
f₁ (Loyalty)+30
f₂ (Honesty)0+4
f₃ (Responsibility)–2+3
f₄ (Consequences)–3+1

3. Build the Equations

  • Outcome 1 (Cover Friend)
    Score₁ = f₁(+3) + f₃(–2) + f₄(–3) = 3 – 2 – 3 = –2
  • Outcome 2 (Tell on Friend)
    Score₂ = f₂(+4) + f₃(+3) + f₄(+1) = 4 + 3 + 1 = +8

4. Recommended Action & Justification

Tell on Friend (Score +8 vs. –2)
Rationale: Upholding honesty and academic responsibility outweighs loyalty in this context. Reporting preserves fairness and reduces risk of long-term consequences for both you and your friend.

Dilemma B: You see someone cheating on a test.

1. Identify Factors & Variables

• f₁ = Academic Integrity (value of honest work)
• f₂ = Fairness to Peers (everyone stays on level playing field)
• f₃ = Empathy for Cheater (relationship/peer sympathy)
• f₄ = Personal Risk (possible backlash for reporting)

2. Assign Ethical Weights

VariableReport CheatingIgnore & Move On
f₁ (Integrity)+50
f₂ (Fairness)+40
f₃ (Empathy)0+2
f₄ (Risk)–1+1

3. Build the Equations

  • Outcome 1 (Report Cheating)
    Score₁ = f₁(+5) + f₂(+4) + f₄(–1) = 5 + 4 – 1 = +8
  • Outcome 2 (Ignore & Move On)
    Score₂ = f₃(+2) + f₄(+1) = 2 + 1 = +3

4. Recommended Action & Justification

Report Cheating (Score +8 vs. +3)
Rationale: Preserving academic integrity and fairness has higher ethical weight than empathy or avoiding conflict. Reporting supports a trustworthy learning environment for all.

Feel free to adjust variable definitions or weights based on your own values, but the structured comparison should lead you to the most responsible decision each time.

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