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The Ethical Dilemma

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Lesson Plan

Consequence Crusaders

Students will analyze complex ethical scenarios, evaluate potential consequences of different decisions, and practice responsible decision-making.

Developing ethical reasoning skills prepares students to make sound choices in academic, social, and personal contexts, fostering integrity and positive contributions to their communities.

Audience

11th Grade Students

Time

60 minutes

Approach

Through scenario analysis, group discussion, and individual reflection.

Materials

Whiteboard or Projector, Decisions, Decisions Slide Deck, What Would You Do Discussion Guide, Decision Matrix Explorer Worksheet, Ethical Choices Check-Up Quiz, and Pens/Pencils

Prep

Teacher Preparation

15 minutes

Step 1

Introduction: The Ethical Maze

10 minutes

  • Begin with a captivating question related to difficult choices.
  • Introduce the lesson: "Today, we're becoming 'Consequence Crusaders,' navigating the ethical maze to understand how our choices shape our world."
  • Present the learning objectives using the Decisions, Decisions Slide Deck (Slide 1-2).
  • Define ethical dilemma and responsible decision-making in an engaging way, using examples relevant to 11th graders.

Step 2

Exploring Dilemmas: What Would You Do?

20 minutes

  • Divide students into small groups (3-4 students).
  • Distribute the What Would You Do Discussion Guide or display scenarios using the Decisions, Decisions Slide Deck (Slide 3-5).
  • Each group will discuss one or two scenarios, identifying the dilemma, potential choices, and immediate consequences.
  • Circulate among groups, facilitating discussion and prompting deeper thinking with questions like: "What values are at play here?" or "Who benefits/loses from each choice?"

Step 3

The Decision Matrix Explorer

15 minutes

  • Bring the class back together.
  • Introduce the concept of a decision matrix as a tool for evaluating complex choices, using the Decisions, Decisions Slide Deck (Slide 6).
  • Distribute the Decision Matrix Explorer Worksheet.
  • Guide students through an example scenario (different from group discussions) using the worksheet, demonstrating how to weigh options, consequences, and values.
  • Students then apply the matrix to one of the scenarios they discussed earlier, or a new, brief scenario provided by the teacher.

Step 4

Reflect and Conclude

10 minutes

  • Facilitate a brief whole-class discussion on key takeaways from using the decision matrix. What did they learn about their own decision-making process?
  • Revisit the initial captivating question. Have their perspectives shifted?
  • Administer the Ethical Choices Check-Up Quiz as a brief assessment of understanding.
  • Reinforce the importance of responsible decision-making in everyday life and future challenges (Slide 7).
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Slide Deck

The Ethical Dilemma: What Would You Do?

Have you ever faced a tough choice where there was no clear right or wrong answer? How did it feel?

Welcome students and pose the opening question. This is to get them thinking about the complexity of choices.

Consequence Crusaders

Our Mission Today:

  • Analyze complex ethical scenarios.
  • Evaluate the potential consequences of different decisions.
  • Practice responsible decision-making skills.

Introduce the lesson title and objectives. Explain that today they will learn to navigate these tough choices.

What's an Ethical Dilemma?

  • A situation where you have to make a choice between two or more options.
  • Each option has potential positive and negative consequences.
  • Often involves conflicting values or principles.
  • There isn't always a

Define what an ethical dilemma is. Provide a simple, relatable example if needed.

Scenario 1: The Group Project

Your group project partner is struggling and asks you to do their part, saying they'll fail otherwise. You know it's against the rules to submit work that isn't your own, but you also want to help your friend. What do you do?

Present the first scenario for group discussion. Encourage students to think critically about all angles.

Scenario 2: The Online Secret

You accidentally stumble upon a friend's private online conversation where they are spreading rumors about another student. Your friend trusts you and expects you not to say anything. What do you do?

Present the second scenario. Remind students to consider short-term and long-term consequences.

The Decision Matrix: A Tool for Tough Choices

  • A way to systematically evaluate your options.
  • Helps you weigh pros and cons, and consider values.
  • Makes complex decisions clearer.

Introduce the decision matrix tool. Explain its purpose and how it helps organize thoughts.

Be a Consequence Crusader!

  • Every choice has a ripple effect.
  • Think critically, consider values, and use tools like the decision matrix.
  • Your ethical choices build a stronger you and a better community.

Concluding slide. Reinforce the importance of ethical thinking and responsible choices.

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Discussion

What Would You Do? Navigating Ethical Scenarios

Instructions: In your groups, read the scenarios below. For each scenario, discuss the following questions:

  1. What is the ethical dilemma in this situation?
  2. What are the different choices the person could make?
  3. What are the potential immediate consequences (positive and negative) for each choice?
  4. What are the potential long-term consequences (positive and negative) for each choice?
  5. What values are important to consider in this situation (e.g., honesty, loyalty, fairness, integrity, safety)?

Scenario 1: The Group Project Pressure

Your group project partner is struggling and asks you to do their part, saying they'll fail otherwise. You know it's against the rules to submit work that isn't your own, but you also want to help your friend. What do you do?












Scenario 2: The Online Secret

You accidentally stumble upon a friend's private online conversation where they are spreading rumors about another student. Your friend trusts you and expects you not to say anything, because they know you saw the message. What do you do?












Scenario 3: The Witness

You see a classmate cheating on a major test. Reporting them would mean they could face serious consequences, but not reporting them feels dishonest and unfair to other students who studied hard. What do you do?












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Worksheet

Decision Matrix Explorer

Instructions: Use this worksheet to help you make a responsible decision when faced with an ethical dilemma. You can use one of the scenarios from the What Would You Do Discussion Guide or a new scenario provided by your teacher.

Step 1: Define the Ethical Dilemma

What is the core problem or conflict you need to solve?







Step 2: Identify Your Options

List at least two different courses of action you could take.










Step 3: Determine Your Criteria (Values & Consequences)

What are the important factors you should consider? These could be your values (e.g., honesty, fairness, loyalty) or potential positive/negative consequences (e.g., academic success, friendship, reputation, legal implications).













Step 4: Evaluate Your Options Using the Decision Matrix

Rate how well each option aligns with your criteria. Use a scale (e.g., 1-5, where 1 is

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Quiz

Ethical Choices Check-Up Quiz

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