Lesson Plan
Stake Assessment Plan
Students will explore real-life decision consequences by assessing stakes in scenarios, engaging in debates, and reflecting to develop responsible decision-making skills.
Understanding what's at stake helps students think critically about outcomes, build self-awareness, and make informed choices—essential skills for personal and academic growth.
Audience
11th Grade Students
Time
35 minutes
Approach
Through group scenarios, debates, journal reflections, and peer sharing.
Materials
Prep
Prepare Materials
10 minutes
- Print or open the High Stakes Scenarios slide deck.
- Review the Risk & Reward Debate Guide to familiarize yourself with roles and rules.
- Copy the High-Stakes Reflection Journal for each student.
- Project or print the Takeaway Tweet Template.
- Preview all scenarios to anticipate student questions and guide discussion.
Step 1
Introduction
5 minutes
- Greet students and state the lesson focus: assessing the stakes in our decisions.
- Define “stakes” and connect to responsible decision-making.
- Share the objective: analyze scenarios, debate risks and rewards, and reflect on personal choices.
Step 2
Scenario Exploration
10 minutes
- Display the High Stakes Scenarios slide deck.
- Divide class into small groups and assign each group one scenario.
- In groups, students discuss: What choices are being made? Who is affected? What could be at stake?
- Encourage use of guiding questions: potential outcomes, stakeholders, and long-term effects.
Step 3
Risk & Reward Debate
10 minutes
- Introduce the Risk & Reward Debate Guide.
- Assign each group to argue either the potential risks or the possible rewards in their scenario.
- Allow 3 minutes for groups to prepare talking points.
- Conduct quick debates: each group presents (1 minute), then one rebuttal (30 seconds).
Step 4
Reflection
5 minutes
- Distribute the High-Stakes Reflection Journal.
- Students individually reflect on: which scenario felt most relevant, their personal decision, and what stakes mattered most.
- Prompt them to connect to a real decision they’ve faced.
Step 5
Takeaway Tweet
5 minutes
- Introduce the Takeaway Tweet Template.
- In 280 characters, students summarize their key insight about assessing stakes.
- Invite volunteers to share their tweets aloud.
- Conclude by reinforcing the importance of weighing risks and rewards in daily life.
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Slide Deck
High Stakes Scenarios
In this activity, you’ll work in groups to examine situations where choices carry real consequences. For each scenario, discuss the decisions, stakeholders, possible outcomes, and what’s on the line.
Welcome students to the “High Stakes Scenarios” deck. Explain that they will explore real-life decision points in small groups, analyze what’s at stake, and prepare to debate risks vs. rewards.
How to Use These Scenarios
- Form groups of 3–4 students.
- Assign or choose one scenario per group.
- Read the scenario quietly, then discuss the guiding questions.
- Prepare key points for a quick risk vs. reward debate.
Review how groups will rotate through scenarios or each take one. Emphasize respectful listening and equal participation.
Scenario 1: The Cheating Dilemma
Emma is struggling in her AP Physics class. With a big test tomorrow, she’s offered the answers by a friend.
Questions for analysis:
• What choices does Emma face?
• Who benefits or suffers from her decision?
• What are the short- and long-term consequences?
• What’s most at stake for Emma personally?
Prompt groups to read carefully and note emotional stakes as well as logical ones. Circulate to answer questions.
Scenario 2: Scholarship Audition
Carlos has a chance to audition for a competitive music scholarship. He’s nervous and may freeze on stage. A backup plan exists, but it offers less money.
Questions for analysis:
• What are the risks vs. rewards for Carlos?
• How do his family and future self get affected?
• What could go wrong—and what could he gain?
Encourage groups to think beyond grades—consider trust, self-respect, future references.
Scenario 3: Social Media Post
Lila records her friend tripping in the hallway. It’s hilarious, but filming and posting could embarrass him. The video could go viral, boosting her followers.
Questions for analysis:
• Whose interests matter here?
• What are possible harms and benefits?
• How would you feel if roles were reversed?
Challenge students to weigh emotional pressure vs. financial need in their discussion.
Scenario 4: Late-Night Drive
Mike’s friends want him to drive them home after a concert. He’s tired and it’s raining heavily. If he refuses, they’ll find someone else, but if he drives, they rely on him for safety.
Questions for analysis:
• What could happen if he drives vs. declines?
• Who bears responsibility for any consequences?
• What factors increase the stakes?
Highlight issues of consent, respect, and digital footprint implications.
Group Discussion Prompts
As a group, prepare to debate:
• Top 3 risks in your scenario
• Top 3 rewards in your scenario
• Which side you find more compelling and why
Be ready to present in 1 minute with a 30-second rebuttal.
Guide groups to synthesize insights and prepare two slides or notes: one for risks, one for rewards.
Next Steps
- Use the Risk & Reward Debate Guide to structure your arguments.
- Debates begin now:
• 1 minute per side presentation
• 30 seconds for rebuttal - Reflect afterward in your High-Stakes Reflection Journal.
Transition to the risk vs. reward debate using the Debate Guide. Remind students of time limits and civility.
Discussion
Risk & Reward Debate Guide
Purpose
Guide students to articulate and defend the potential risks or rewards in their assigned scenario. This structure keeps debates focused, fair, and insightful.
Roles (per team of 2–3)
- Moderator: Introduces the scenario and enforces timing.
- Speaker 1 (Opening): Presents top 3 points for your side (Risk or Reward).
- Speaker 2 (Rebuttal): Responds to the opposing team’s points.
- Timekeeper: Tracks and signals each segment.
- Recorder/Audience: Takes notes on key arguments and votes on the winning side.
Structure & Timing (total = 6 minutes per debate)
- Preparation (all roles): 3 minutes to outline arguments and assign speaking order.
- Opening Statements (Risk side): 1 minute
- Opening Statements (Reward side): 1 minute
- Rebuttals (Risk side): 30 seconds
- Rebuttals (Reward side): 30 seconds
- Audience Vote & Feedback: 1 minute
Scoring Rubric (each category 1–4 points)
| Category | Criteria |
|---|---|
| Clarity & Organization | Arguments are clear, logical, and well-structured. |
| Use of Evidence | Examples from your scenario or real life support your claims. |
| Engagement & Rebuttal | Effectively respond to the other side and stay on topic. |
| Teamwork | All members contribute and support each other. |
Total possible: 16 points per team.
Preparation Steps
- Revisit your scenario in the High Stakes Scenarios slide deck.
- Decide whether you’ll argue risks or rewards.
- Brainstorm and list your top 3 supporting points with specific consequences or benefits.
- Gather evidence or examples (facts, personal experiences, stakeholder perspectives).
- Assign speaking roles and rehearse key phrases.
Debate Progression
- Moderator: Briefly restates the scenario and announces the side to go first.
- Opening – Team A: 1 minute presenting three main points.
- Opening – Team B: 1 minute presenting three main points.
- Rebuttal – Team A: 30 seconds to counter Team B’s strongest point.
- Rebuttal – Team B: 30 seconds to counter Team A’s strongest point.
- Audience Vote & Feedback: Recorder collects scores, announces winning side, and gives one constructive comment per team.
Debrief & Reflection
After all debates conclude, convene the class for a brief discussion:
- Which side made the most compelling case? Why?
- What new insights did you gain about balancing risks and rewards?
- How could you apply this weighing process to a real decision you’ll make soon?
Then, transition to the High-Stakes Reflection Journal for individual reflection on today’s debate experience.
Journal
High-Stakes Reflection Journal
1. Scenario Reflection
Reflect on the scenario you explored today. What were the main choices, who were the stakeholders, and what was most at stake?
2. Risk vs. Reward
Which side—risk or reward—did you argue or connect with most strongly? Explain why that perspective felt most compelling.
3. Personal Connection
Think of a time when you faced a decision with significant consequences. Describe the situation, the options you considered, and the outcome.
4. Lessons Learned
What new insights did you gain about weighing risks and rewards? How might these lessons influence your future decisions?
5. Application Plan
Identify a real decision you’ll face soon (e.g., course selection, extracurricular commitment, social choice). Outline the steps you’ll take to assess what’s at stake before deciding.
6. Takeaway Tweet
In 280 characters or fewer, craft a tweet that captures your key insight about responsible decision-making.
Cool Down
Takeaway Tweet
In 280 characters or fewer, craft a tweet that captures your key insight about assessing what’s at stake when making decisions. Remember to:
- Be concise and clear
- Use at least one hashtag (e.g., #WeighTheStakes)
- Speak from your own experience
Your Tweet: