Lesson Plan
Risk & Reward Rumble
Students will analyze real-world scenarios, identify potential risks and rewards, and justify decisions based on their evaluations, developing critical thinking and decision-making skills.
Understanding how to evaluate risks and rewards is crucial for making informed choices in everyday life, from personal decisions to future career paths. This lesson helps students develop practical decision-making strategies.
Audience
8th Grade Students
Time
45 minutes
Approach
Through group discussion and scenario analysis, students will apply critical thinking to various risk/reward situations.
Materials
- Risk & Reward Rumble Slide Deck, - Warm-Up: Dare to Compare?, - Risk & Reward Scenario Cards, - Risk & Reward Rumble Worksheet, - Risk & Reward Rumble Discussion Guide, - Risk & Reward Rumble Rubric, - Markers or pens, and - Chart paper or whiteboard space
Prep
Prepare Materials & Room Setup
15 minutes
- Review the Risk & Reward Rumble Slide Deck and practice the script.
- Print and cut out the Risk & Reward Scenario Cards, one set per group.
- Print enough copies of the Risk & Reward Rumble Worksheet for each student.
- Ensure access to markers or pens and chart paper or whiteboard space for group work.
- Arrange desks for collaborative group work (4-5 students per group).
- Review the Risk & Reward Rumble Rubric to understand assessment criteria.
- Review all generated materials to ensure familiarity.
Step 1
Warm-Up: Dare to Compare?
5 minutes
- Begin with the Warm-Up: Dare to Compare? activity.
2. Display the warm-up question on the board or screen.
3. Have students quickly jot down their thoughts or share with a partner.
4. Briefly discuss a few student responses to set the stage for thinking about risks and rewards.
Step 2
Introduction to Risk & Reward
5 minutes
- Use the Risk & Reward Rumble Slide Deck to introduce the concepts of risk and reward.
2. Explain that risks are potential negative outcomes, and rewards are potential positive outcomes.
3. Discuss that evaluating them helps in making informed decisions.
4. Introduce the group activity.
Step 3
Group Activity: Scenario Challenge
20 minutes
- Divide students into small groups (4-5 students per group).
2. Distribute the Risk & Reward Scenario Cards (one set per group) and one Risk & Reward Rumble Worksheet per student.
3. Instruct each group to choose 2-3 scenario cards to analyze.
4. For each chosen scenario, students will work collaboratively to:
- Identify the potential risks.
- Identify the potential rewards.
- Discuss and determine if the risks outweigh the rewards, or vice versa.
- Justify their decision.
5. Groups should record their findings and justifications on their worksheets. Encourage lively discussion and critical thinking using the Risk & Reward Rumble Discussion Guide as a reference.
Step 4
Group Share & Discussion
10 minutes
- Bring the class back together.
2. Have each group briefly share one of their analyzed scenarios and their conclusions, including their justifications.
3. Facilitate a brief class discussion using prompts from the Risk & Reward Rumble Discussion Guide to compare different group perspectives.
- Optional: Have groups vote on which scenario was the
use Lenny to create lessons.
No credit card needed
Slide Deck
Risk & Reward Rumble
Making Smart Choices in a Tricky World!
Today, we're going to become experts at weighing our options and making the best possible decisions. Get ready to rumble with some real-life dilemmas!
Welcome students and prepare them for an engaging lesson on decision-making. Introduce the day's exciting topic.
What's the 'Risk'?
It's about what could go wrong.
- Potential Challenges: What are the downsides?
- Uncertain Outcomes: What are the unknowns?
- Negative Consequences: What might you lose or regret?
Think of a time you worried about something before doing it. That's a risk!
Introduce the concept of risk. Explain it's about what could go wrong. Use simple, relatable examples.
What's the 'Reward'?
It's about what could go right!
- Potential Benefits: What are the upsides?
- Positive Outcomes: What might you gain?
- Desired Results: What makes it worth it?
Rewards can be big or small, immediate or long-term!
Now, introduce the concept of reward. Explain it's about what could go right and the benefits. Use positive, motivating examples.
The Big Balance Act
Weighing Risks vs. Rewards
Every day, you're balancing decisions without even realizing it!
- Example: Studying for a test (Risk: Missing fun time. Reward: Better grade!)
Today, we're going to practice this balance together!
Emphasize that it's all about balancing these two. Provide a simple example to illustrate the balance.
Group Challenge: Scenario Time!
Work Together, Decide Together!
- Get into your groups! (4-5 people)
- Choose 2-3 Scenario Cards.
- For EACH card, as a group:
- Identify the RISKS.
- Identify the REWARDS.
- Discuss: Do the risks outweigh the rewards, or vice versa?
- DECIDE and JUSTIFY your choice.
- Record your group's thoughts on the Risk & Reward Rumble Worksheet!
Explain the group activity clearly. Make sure students understand they will be analyzing scenarios and justifying their choices.
Share Your Strategies!
What did your group decide?
- Each group will share one scenario and your team's decision.
- Explain your justification clearly.
- Let's see how different groups evaluated the same situations!
Discussion Question: What makes a good decision when risks and rewards are involved?
Guide students through the sharing process and encourage active listening and respectful debate. Use the discussion guide as needed.
Beyond the Rumble...
You're now a Risk & Reward PRO!
- Every choice has potential ups and downs.
- Thinking critically helps you navigate life's decisions.
- Keep practicing this skill every day!
You've got this!
Conclude the lesson by reinforcing the importance of thoughtful decision-making in real life. Encourage students to apply these skills daily.
Warm Up
Warm-Up: Dare to Compare?
Think about a time you had to make a choice. What was one good thing that could happen (a reward)? What was one bad thing that could happen (a risk)?
Share your thoughts with a partner, then be ready to share with the class.
Activity
Risk & Reward Scenario Cards
Instructions: Cut out these cards and distribute one set per group. Each group will choose 2-3 cards to analyze.
---
## Scenario 1: The New Game Console
You've been saving up for a new game console, but your best friend asks you to go in on a new, unproven start-up business idea with them. They promise big returns, but it's a lot of money to invest.
---
## Scenario 2: The School Play Audition
You love acting but get really nervous performing in front of people. Auditions for the school play are next week, and a lead role would mean a lot of time commitment, but also a chance to shine.
---
## Scenario 3: Speaking Up
You notice a classmate being unfairly picked on by a group of older students. You could ignore it and avoid trouble, or you could say something, potentially drawing attention to yourself.
---
## Scenario 4: The Weekend Trip
Your family is planning a weekend trip to a fun amusement park, but it means missing a study group for a big test on Monday. You're struggling in that subject, but the trip sounds amazing.
---
## Scenario 5: Trying a New Sport
You've always played basketball, but your friends are trying out for the school's new ultimate frisbee team. You're not very good at frisbee, and you might not make the team, but it looks like a lot of fun.
---
## Scenario 6: Group Project Leader
Your teacher asks for volunteers to lead a challenging group project. Taking the lead would mean more responsibility and work, but also a chance to develop leadership skills and potentially boost your grade.
---
## Scenario 7: Posting Online
You captured a funny moment of your friend on video and think it would get a lot of likes if you posted it online. Your friend might be embarrassed, but it's harmless fun, right?
---
## Scenario 8: Learning a New Skill
You have a chance to take an advanced coding class, but it means giving up your favorite after-school club. The coding class is challenging, and you might struggle, but it could open up new opportunities.
Worksheet
Risk & Reward Rumble Worksheet
Group Members:
---
Instructions: Your group will choose 2-3 scenario cards to analyze. For each scenario, discuss and record the potential risks and rewards, then make a decision and justify it. Be ready to share your findings with the class.
---
## Scenario Chosen: _____________________________
### Potential Risks:
*
*
*
### Potential Rewards:
*
*
*
### Our Group's Decision & Justification:
(Did the risks outweigh the rewards, or vice versa? Why?)
---
## Scenario Chosen: _____________________________
### Potential Risks:
*
*
*
### Potential Rewards:
*
*
*
### Our Group's Decision & Justification:
(Did the risks outweigh the rewards, or vice versa? Why?)
---
## Scenario Chosen (Optional): _____________________________
### Potential Risks:
*
*
*
### Potential Rewards:
*
*
*
### Our Group's Decision & Justification:
(Did the risks outweigh the rewards, or vice versa? Why?)
Discussion
Risk & Reward Rumble Discussion Guide
## Group Discussion Prompts
Use these questions to guide your group's analysis of each scenario:
* What are the obvious risks in this situation?
* Are there any hidden or less obvious risks?
* What are the potential positive outcomes (rewards)?
* Are the rewards significant enough to take on the risks?
* How might this decision affect others?
* What are some alternative actions we could take to minimize risks or maximize rewards?
* What values are important to consider when making this decision (e.g., safety, friendship, personal growth, academic success)?
* If you made this decision, what would be the best-case outcome? What would be the worst-case outcome?
## Whole Class Discussion Prompts
Use these questions during the class share-out to deepen understanding:
* Which scenario did your group find most challenging to evaluate, and why?
* Did any groups have different conclusions for the same scenario? What led to those differences?
* What general advice would you give someone facing a decision involving significant risks and rewards?
* How can evaluating risks and rewards help you in your own life?
* Can a
Rubric
Risk & Reward Rumble Rubric
Student Name(s):
Group:
---
| Category | 4 - Exceeds Expectations | 3 - Meets Expectations | 2 - Developing | 1 - Needs Support |
| :-------------------- | :---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | :---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | :----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | :----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Risk Identification | Identifies all relevant and nuanced risks; demonstrates deep understanding of potential negative outcomes. | Identifies most relevant risks; shows a good understanding of potential negative outcomes. | Identifies some obvious risks but misses others; limited understanding of potential negative outcomes. | Identifies few or no risks, or misinterprets risks; very limited understanding. |
| Reward Identification | Identifies all relevant and nuanced rewards; demonstrates deep understanding of potential positive outcomes. | Identifies most relevant rewards; shows a good understanding of potential positive outcomes. | Identifies some obvious rewards but misses others; limited understanding of potential positive outcomes. | Identifies few or no rewards, or misinterprets rewards; very limited understanding. |
| Decision & Justification | Presents a clear, well-supported decision with sophisticated and logical justifications, considering multiple perspectives. | Presents a clear decision with logical justifications, addressing the balance of risks and rewards. | Makes a decision with some justification, but reasoning is weak or incomplete; may not fully address balance. | Makes a decision with little to no justification, or justification is illogical or irrelevant. |
| Group Collaboration | Actively contributes, listens respectfully, encourages others, and helps the group reach consensus effectively. | Contributes constructively and participates in group discussions; generally works well with others. | Participates minimally or has difficulty working with the group; may distract or disengage. | Does not participate, or actively hinders group progress. |
| Worksheet Completion | Worksheet is thoroughly completed, well-organized, and reflects exceptional thought and effort. | Worksheet is completed and organized, reflecting good effort and understanding. | Worksheet is partially completed or lacks organization; shows minimal effort or understanding. | Worksheet is incomplete or unorganized; shows little to no effort or understanding. |
Overall Feedback:
Cool Down
Cool Down: My Smart Choice
Reflect on today's lesson. What is one personal decision you might face soon where evaluating risks and rewards could help you make a better choice? Briefly describe the decision and one risk and one reward you would consider.