Lesson Plan
Ethics Debate Guide
Students will argue for or against a scenario’s ethical choice using integrity vocabulary.
This lesson is important because it teaches students to think critically about moral dilemmas, express their opinions respectfully, and understand diverse viewpoints. It builds essential communication and reasoning skills.
Audience
4th Grade
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Through structured debate and active participation.
Materials
- Debate Protocol Slides, - Moderator Script, - Debate Participation Rubric, - Whiteboard or Chart Paper, and - Markers
Prep
Review Materials and Prepare Scenarios
15 minutes
- Review the Ethics Debate Guide, Debate Protocol Slides, Moderator Script, and Debate Participation Rubric to familiarize yourself with the lesson content and flow.
- Prepare 2-3 age-appropriate ethical scenarios for the mini-debates. Examples: 'Should you tell on a friend who cheated on a test?', 'Is it okay to borrow something without asking if you plan to return it right away?', 'Should a class always vote on decisions, or should the teacher sometimes decide?'
- Write key integrity vocabulary words on the board or chart paper (e.g., integrity, honesty, respect, fairness, responsibility, empathy).
Step 1
Introduce Debate Protocol
5 minutes
- Use the Debate Protocol Slides to introduce students to the concept of ethical debates and the basic rules and expectations for respectful discussion.
- Explain the lesson's objective and introduce the key integrity vocabulary words.
Step 2
Team Preparation
10 minutes
- Divide students into small groups (3-4 students per group).
- Present one ethical scenario to the class. Allow groups to choose whether they want to argue for or against a specific ethical choice within the scenario.
- Provide time for groups to brainstorm arguments, identify relevant integrity vocabulary, and assign roles (e.g., opening statement, rebuttal, closing statement).
Step 3
Structured Debate
10 minutes
- Facilitate a mini-debate using the Moderator Script.
- Select 1-2 groups to present their arguments. Encourage other students to listen actively and consider different viewpoints.
- Remind students to use integrity vocabulary throughout their arguments.
Step 4
Self-Assessment and Wrap-up
5 minutes
- Distribute the Debate Participation Rubric to students for a quick self-assessment on their participation, listening, and use of integrity vocabulary.
- Lead a brief class discussion reflecting on what they learned about ethical choices and respectful debate.
Slide Deck
Right or Wrong: Mini Debates?
Let's explore ethical choices and respectfully share our ideas!
Welcome students and introduce the exciting topic of mini-ethics debates. Ask students what they think 'ethics' means.
What Are Ethics?
- Rules for how we should act.
- Deciding between right and wrong.
- Thinking about fairness, honesty, and kindness.
Define ethics in simple terms for 4th graders. Give a quick, relatable example, like deciding whether to share a toy or keep it to yourself.
Why Do We Debate?
- Share your ideas clearly.
- Understand different points of view.
- Practice respectful talking and listening.
- Make stronger arguments!
Explain the benefits of debating – learning to think critically, listen, and speak clearly. Emphasize that it's about ideas, not personal attacks.
Our Debate Rules
- Listen Carefully: Pay attention when others speak.
- Take Turns: Wait for your chance to talk.
- Be Respectful: Disagree with ideas, not people.
- Use Kind Words: Even when you feel strongly.
Go over the main rules for a respectful debate. Focus on listening and waiting for turns.
Integrity Vocabulary
- Integrity: Being honest and having strong moral principles.
- Honesty: Telling the truth.
- Respect: Treating others with consideration.
- Fairness: Treating everyone equally.
- Responsibility: Doing what you're supposed to do.
- Empathy: Understanding how others feel.
Introduce the key vocabulary words. Ask students to share examples of when these words are important.
Your Role in the Debate
- Opening Statement: Introduce your team's main idea.
- Arguments: Share your reasons and evidence.
- Rebuttal: Respond to the other team's points.
- Closing Statement: Summarize your team's main points.
Briefly explain the simple roles students might take in their groups.
Scenario Time!
Work with your team:
1. Read the scenario.
2. Decide if you are 'for' or 'against' the ethical choice.
3. Brainstorm 2-3 reasons why.
4. Use our new integrity vocabulary!
5. Choose who will speak for your team.
Present the first ethical scenario. Give clear instructions for group discussion and preparation.
Great Debaters!
You've done an amazing job thinking ethically and sharing your ideas with respect. Keep practicing these important skills!
Conclude the slides, reinforcing the importance of ethical thinking and respectful discussion. Reiterate that everyone's ideas are valuable.
Script
Moderator Script: Mini Ethics Debate
Introduction (Teacher)
"Good morning/afternoon, ethical thinkers! Today, we're diving into an exciting activity: a Mini Ethics Debate! We've talked about what ethics are – thinking about right and wrong – and our important integrity vocabulary words. Now, it's time to put those ideas into action and practice sharing our thoughts respectfully."
"Remember our debate rules? Listen carefully, take turns, be respectful, and use kind words. It's about discussing ideas, not about who's 'right' or 'wrong' personally."
Setting the Stage for Debate (Teacher)
"We're going to hear from a few groups who have prepared arguments for an ethical scenario. My job is to help us keep our discussion fair and focused. Each team will get a chance to share their opening statement, respond to other ideas, and give a closing thought. If you're not debating, your job is to be an amazing listener!"
"(Present the ethical scenario clearly to the class, e.g., 'Should a friend tell a teacher if they saw another friend cheating on a test?')"
"Teams, are you ready? Remember to use our integrity vocabulary like 'honesty,' 'responsibility,' 'fairness,' and 'respect' in your arguments."
Facilitating the Debate (Teacher)
Team 1 - Opening Statement
"Let's start with Team [Team Number/Name]. Who is delivering your opening statement? You have [e.g., 1 minute] to share your main point and why you believe it's the ethical choice."
(Allow Team 1 to speak.)
"Thank you, Team [Team Number/Name]."
Team 2 - Opening Statement
"Now, let's hear from Team [Team Number/Name]. Who will share your opening statement? You also have [e.g., 1 minute] to present your team's perspective on this ethical scenario."
(Allow Team 2 to speak.)
"Thank you, Team [Team Number/Name]."
Rebuttals / Responses (Teacher)
"Now comes the part where you can respond to what you heard from the other team. Team [Team Number/Name], would you like to share a quick response or question for Team [Other Team Number/Name]? Remember to be respectful and focus on the ideas."
(Allow brief responses/questions, one per team, or open the floor for carefully managed student questions/comments from the audience, reminding them of debate rules.)
"Team [Other Team Number/Name], would you like to respond?"
(Continue facilitating briefly, ensuring both sides get a chance to respond. Limit to 1-2 points per side.)
"Excellent points from both teams, and I hear a lot of [mention specific integrity vocabulary used] in your discussions!"
Closing Statements (Teacher)
"Now, we'll hear a brief closing statement from each team to summarize their main argument. Team [Team Number/Name], your closing statement, please."
(Allow Team 1 to speak for ~30 seconds.)
"Thank you. And Team [Team Number/Name], your closing statement."
(Allow Team 2 to speak for ~30 seconds.)
Conclusion (Teacher)
"Fantastic work, everyone! You showed great [mention integrity vocabulary, e.g., 'integrity' in your arguments and 'respect' for your classmates]. It's not always easy to decide what's 'right' or 'wrong,' and these discussions help us think deeply and understand each other better."
"Please take a moment to reflect on your participation using the Debate Participation Rubric."
"Great job today, ethical debaters!"
Rubric
Debate Participation Rubric
Student Name: ________________________
Date: ________________________
This rubric will help you and your teacher assess your participation in the Mini Ethics Debate. Think about how well you did in each area.
| Criteria | 4 - Excellent | 3 - Good | 2 - Developing | 1 - Needs Support |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Argument Clarity | Clearly stated and supported own team's position. | Stated own team's position with some support. | Attempted to state a position, but lacked clarity. | Did not clearly state a position. |
| Use of Integrity Vocab | Consistently used 3+ integrity vocabulary words correctly. | Used 1-2 integrity vocabulary words correctly. | Used some integrity vocabulary, but not always correctly. | Did not use integrity vocabulary. |
| Respectful Listening | Actively listened and responded respectfully to others. | Listened well most of the time. | Sometimes interrupted or did not listen well. | Often interrupted or did not listen. |
| Turn-Taking | Waited for turn and contributed appropriately. | Mostly waited for turn; sometimes needed a reminder. | Often spoke out of turn or had difficulty contributing. | Rarely waited for turn or contributed. |
| Teamwork (Preparation) | Actively contributed to team's preparation and ideas. | Contributed to team's preparation with some prompting. | Participated minimally in team preparation. | Did not participate in team preparation. |
My Reflection:
What was one thing you did well during the debate?
What is one thing you would like to improve for next time?
Which integrity vocabulary word did you try to use most?