Lesson Plan
Responsible Choices Blueprint
Students will analyze five real-life scenarios, identify responsible decision-making steps, and collaborate to choose and justify the best option, then reflect on their reasoning.
This lesson strengthens critical thinking, empathy, and responsible decision-making by engaging 5th graders in real-world dilemmas and collaborative problem-solving.
Audience
5th Grade
Time
45 minutes
Approach
Scenario rotations, discussions, and reflection.
Materials
- Scenario Showdown Slides
- Dilemma Stations cards (5 real-life scenario sets)
- Think-Pair-Share Prompts handouts
- Reflection Roundup exit tickets
- Whiteboard and markers
- Timer or stopwatch
Prep
Prepare Materials
15 minutes
- Review Scenario Showdown Slides for clarity and flow.
- Print and cut Dilemma Stations scenario cards into 5 sets.
- Make copies of Think-Pair-Share Prompts and Reflection Roundup.
- Arrange classroom into 5 station areas with scenario sets.
- Cue timer or stopwatch for rotations.
Step 1
Introduction & Hook
5 minutes
- Gather students on the carpet/front of room.
- Explain the importance of responsible decision-making.
- Share a quick personal or familiar dilemma to model thinking aloud.
- Set norms for respectful listening and collaboration.
Step 2
Scenario Showdown
10 minutes
- Project Scenario Showdown Slides.
- Read through two sample scenarios together as a whole class.
- Pause after each to ask: What’s happening? What are the options? Which choice seems most responsible? Why?
Step 3
Dilemma Stations
15 minutes
- Divide class into five groups and assign each to a station with scenario cards.
- Give each group 3 minutes per card to:
- Read the dilemma.
- Use Think-Pair-Share Prompts to discuss choices and consequences.
- Record the group’s top responsible option on the card.
- After 3 minutes, groups rotate to the next station until all scenarios are discussed.
Step 4
Think-Pair-Share Debrief
8 minutes
- Regroup as a class.
- Select a few stations and invite students to share their scenario, chosen option, and reasoning.
- Encourage peers to ask clarifying questions and offer alternative perspectives.
Step 5
Reflection Roundup
7 minutes
- Distribute Reflection Roundup exit tickets.
- Prompt students to write:
- One new thing they learned about decision-making.
- A time they can use these steps in real life.
- Collect tickets as a formative assessment.
Slide Deck
Scenario Showdown
What Would You Do?
Get ready to analyze real-life dilemmas and practice responsible decision-making.
Welcome students! Introduce today’s activity: Scenario Showdown. Explain that they’ll read real-life dilemmas, choose responsible options, and discuss their thinking.
Objectives
• Analyze real-life scenarios
• Identify responsible options
• Discuss and justify choices with peers
Read each objective aloud. Emphasize that they will practice critical thinking, empathy, and explaining their choices.
Classroom Norms
• Respectful listening – one voice at a time
• Be kind and open-minded
• Share ideas and ask questions
• Stay on task
Review classroom norms. Ask students for examples of respectful listening and collaboration.
Sample Scenario 1
During recess, you see Jamie drop a $5 bill while walking away. Jamie doesn’t notice. What do you do?
Options:
A) Keep the money
B) Pick it up and pocket it
C) Call out to Jamie and return it
D) Give it to an adult
Display image of a playground or money if desired. Read the scenario aloud, then pause and ask: What’s happening? Which option seems most responsible?
Sample Scenario 2
Your group partner didn’t contribute to the project but wants to share the grade. What do you do?
Options:
A) Let them share full credit
B) Tell the teacher your partner did nothing
C) Talk to your partner first
D) Do all the work next time
Invite a few students to share their reasoning. Encourage them to consider consequences and fairness.
Dilemma Stations
- Form 5 groups at station tables.
- Spend 3 minutes per card.
- Read the dilemma and use Think-Pair-Share prompts.
- Record your group’s top responsible choice.
- Rotate when the timer rings.
Explain how stations work. Model one rotation: read card, discuss with prompts, record the choice.
Rotation Timer
• 3 minutes per station
• Timer starts on my signal
• Stand by to rotate when you hear the bell
Start the timer now. Remind students when there are 30 seconds left in each rotation.
Debrief & Transition
After stations, we’ll share our top choices and reasoning.
Think about which scenario was most challenging.
Once rotations finish, we’ll regroup for a class debrief. Ask students to recall the scenario that challenged them most.
Let’s Begin!
We’ll start with Sample Scenarios together.
Get ready to discuss the first one.
Cue students to return to the front. Prepare to launch the first sample discussion now.
Activity
Dilemma Stations Setup
- Divide the class into five groups and assign each group to one station.
- At each station, you have 3 minutes to:
- Read the scenario card.
- Use Think-Pair-Share Prompts to discuss possible actions and consequences.
- Agree on the most responsible option.
- Record your group’s top choice and reasoning in the space provided.
- When the timer rings, rotate to the next station until all groups visit every scenario.
Station 1: Lost Money
During recess, you see a classmate drop a $5 bill while walking away. They don’t notice. What do you do?
Options:
A) Keep the money
B) Pick it up and pocket it
C) Call out to your classmate and return it
D) Give it to a teacher or adult
Your Choice: ___
Reasoning:
Station 2: Unequal Group Work
Your partner in a science project did almost none of the work but expects to share the grade. What do you do?
Options:
A) Let them share full credit
B) Tell the teacher they didn’t help at all
C) Talk privately with your partner first
D) Do all the work yourself next time
Your Choice: ___
Reasoning:
Station 3: Cheating on a Quiz
You notice a student copying answers during a quiz. They whisper to you to keep quiet. What do you do?
Options:
A) Ignore it and focus on your own quiz
B) Remind them that cheating is wrong
C) Tell the teacher what you saw
D) Offer to help them study later
Your Choice: ___
Reasoning:
Station 4: Skipping Class
Your friend wants you to skip your next class period to hang out. They say no one will notice. What do you do?
Options:
A) Skip with them and hope for the best
B) Warn your friend about possible consequences
C) Refuse and tell an adult about the invitation
D) Go but bring a note to look like you were excused
Your Choice: ___
Reasoning:
Station 5: Witnessing Bullying
You see a student being teased and pushed on the playground. No teacher is around. What do you do?
Options:
A) Join in so you fit in with the group
B) Walk away so you’re not involved
C) Stand up for the student and tell the bully to stop
D) Find an adult or trusted friend and get help
Your Choice: ___
Reasoning:
After Rotations:
- Return to your seats.
- Be ready to share one scenario you found most challenging, your chosen option, and why.
Use this activity to practice making responsible choices every day!
Discussion
Think-Pair-Share Prompts
Use these questions at each station to guide your thinking and discussion. First, Think on your own and write your answers. Then Pair up to compare ideas before your group records its choice.
- What is the main problem or dilemma in this scenario?
Your Response:
- Who is affected by this situation? (List everyone involved or impacted.)
Your Response:
- What are at least two different actions (options) you could take?
Your Response:
- For each option, what might be the positive and negative consequences?
Your Response:
- Which option do you think is the most responsible choice? Explain your reasoning.
Your Response:
- How might you feel if you were in this situation or if you saw someone else make a choice?
Your Response:
After Thinking: Share your answers with your partner. Listen closely and look for any new ideas or perspectives you hadn’t considered.
Ready to Share? Be prepared to tell your group which option you chose and why when it’s time to record your top responsible choice.
Cool Down
Reflection Roundup
As we wrap up, please complete this exit ticket to reflect on today’s lesson:
- One new thing I learned about making responsible decisions:
- A time when I can use these decision-making steps in real life:
Thank you! Please turn in your ticket as you leave.