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My Choices, My Impact

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Lesson Plan

Ripple Effect: My Choices, My Impact

Students will be able to trace the potential short-term and long-term consequences of a specific choice on themselves and others.

Understanding how our choices create ripple effects helps us make more thoughtful, responsible decisions and recognize our impact on the world around us.

Audience

8th Grade Students

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Through discussion and a mapping activity, students will analyze consequences.

Materials

Slide Deck: Ripple Effect, and Consequence Mapping Activity Worksheet

Prep

Preparation Steps

10 minutes

Step 1

Connect & Engage: The Ripple Effect

5 minutes

  • Begin by asking students: "Have you ever thrown a pebble into a pond? What happens?" (Expected: ripples spread out).
    - Introduce the idea that our choices are like those pebbles, creating 'ripple effects' or consequences.
    - Display the first slide of the Slide Deck: Ripple Effect and use it to facilitate a brief class discussion on the concept of consequences.

Step 2

Teach & Model: Tracing Consequences

10 minutes

  • Explain that consequences can be short-term (immediate) or long-term (affecting the future) and can impact ourselves and others.
    - Present a hypothetical scenario using a slide from the Slide Deck: Ripple Effect (e.g., "Choosing to not study for a test").
    - Model how to trace both short-term and long-term consequences for yourself and others in this scenario.
    - Emphasize that choices often have multiple layers of consequences.

Step 3

Practice & Apply: Consequence Mapping

10 minutes

  • Distribute the Consequence Mapping Activity Worksheet to each student.
    - Instruct students to choose one of the provided scenarios (or a self-selected one with approval) and individually map out its short-term and long-term consequences on themselves and others.
    - Circulate the room to offer support and answer questions.

Step 4

Reflect & Close: Sharing Insights

5 minutes

  • Ask a few students to share one choice and one surprising consequence they identified on their Consequence Mapping Activity Worksheet.
    - Lead a brief discussion: "Why is it important to think about the ripple effect of our choices before we make them?"
    - Conclude by reinforcing that every choice, big or small, has an impact, and we have the power to make positive ripples.
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Slide Deck

Ripple Effect: My Choices, My Impact

Every choice creates a ripple. What kind of ripple will yours be?

Introduce the idea of choices creating ripple effects. Ask students to imagine throwing a pebble into a pond and what happens.

What are Consequences?

– Consequences: The results or effects of an action or decision.
– Can be short-term (immediate) or long-term (future-oriented).
– Can impact yourself and others.

Define consequences and discuss how they can be immediate or stretch far into the future.

Scenario: Skipping Homework

Imagine you choose to skip your math homework tonight to play video games instead.

What are the short-term consequences?

  • For you?
  • For others?

Present the hypothetical scenario. Guide students in brainstorming the immediate effects on themselves and others.

Scenario: Skipping Homework (Long-Term)

Continuing with the same choice: skipping math homework to play video games.

What are the long-term consequences?

  • For you?
  • For others?

Now, prompt students to think about how that same choice could play out over a longer period.

Your Choices, Your Ripples!

It's your turn to explore the ripple effect!

Use your Consequence Mapping Activity Worksheet to:

  1. Choose a scenario.
  2. Identify short-term impacts.
  3. Identify long-term impacts.
  4. Consider impacts on yourself and others.

Transition to the activity. Explain that students will map consequences for their own scenarios.

Every Choice Matters

Your choices shape your world and the world around you. Make them count!

Close with a thought-provoking statement or question to encourage reflection on responsible decision-making.

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Worksheet

Consequence Mapping Activity: My Choices, My Impact

Name: _____________________________

Date: _____________________________

Instructions:

Choose ONE of the scenarios below (or get approval for your own choice). In the boxes, trace the potential short-term (immediate) and long-term (future) consequences of that choice on yourself and on others.

Scenario Options:

  • Choosing to stand up for a friend who is being bullied.
  • Deciding to consistently help out with chores at home.
  • Choosing to spend all your free time on social media instead of hobbies or schoolwork.
  • Deciding to cheat on a small quiz.

My Chosen Scenario:

My choice is to: ____________________________________________________________________




Short-Term Consequences (Immediate Effects):

For Myself:






For Others (family, friends, community):






Long-Term Consequences (Future Effects):

For Myself:











For Others (family, friends, community):











Reflection Question:

After mapping out the consequences, what did you learn about the power of your choices? How might this change how you make decisions in the future?












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My Choices, My Impact • Lenny Learning