Ethics Kickoff Blueprint Lesson Plan Ethics Kickoff Blueprint
Lesson Plan: Should You or Shouldn't You?
60
Minutes
The "Why"
Engaging in ethical reasoning builds empathy, critical thinking, and the ability to weigh consequences—key skills for personal integrity and civic responsibility.
Objective
In this 60-minute session, students will analyze multiple perspectives on real-world dilemmas and practice making responsible decisions through structured debate and reflection.
Audience
10th Grade
Approach
Interactive debates and guided reflection.
Required Materials
Dilemma Duel Slides
Two-Sided Dilemma Cards
Classwide Conscience Circle Support Document
Teacher Preparation (15 Minutes)
• Review Dilemma Duel Slides, Two-Sided Dilemma Cards, and Classwide Conscience Circle Support Document.
• Print and cut the Two-Sided Dilemma Cards.
• Load slides on the classroom projector and test audio/video.
• Prepare chart paper or a digital board for exit ticket collection.
Instructional Steps
5 min
Introduction & Framing
Explain that today’s focus is on CASEL’s Responsible Decision-Making: weighing choices and consequences.
Display title slide from Dilemma Duel Slides.
Review discussion norms: respect, active listening, and evidence-based reasoning.
10 min
Quick Dilemma Warm-Up
Randomly distribute Two-Sided Dilemma Cards to pairs.
In pairs, students spend 2 minutes listing pros and cons for each side of their card’s dilemma.
Invite 2–3 volunteers to share one pro and one con with the whole class.
Assessment: Note depth and clarity of reasoning during share-outs.
20 min
Dilemma Duel Activity
Present the first scenario on Dilemma Duel Slides .
Students physically move to the “Should” or “Shouldn’t” side of the room.
Allow 2 minutes for intra-group discussion, then facilitate a 3-minute cross-group debate.
Repeat for 2–3 dilemmas.
Differentiation: Provide sentence starters; assign roles (note-taker, spokesperson).
Assessment: Observe arguments and use slide-deck polling to gauge consensus shifts.
15 min
Classwide Conscience Circle
Arrange chairs in a circle; reference Classwide Conscience Circle Support Document .
Each student shares one insight: an ethical principle learned or a stance that shifted.
Peers listen without interrupting or responding.
Assessment: Look for respectful listening and thoughtful contributions.
10 min
Reflection & Exit Ticket
Students complete an exit ticket naming the dilemma they found most challenging, explaining why, and listing one strategy for making responsible decisions.
Collect tickets for formative assessment.
Differentiation: Offer oral response option for students who need writing support.
Dilemma Duel Slides Deck CASEL Responsible Decision-Making
Should You or
Shouldn't You?
Navigating Ethical Crossroads • 10th Grade • 60 Minutes
Teacher Note: Greet students and introduce the session focus on weighing choices.
Objectives & Norms
Learning Goals
Analyze ethical dilemmas from multiple perspectives.
Practice weighing pros and cons before deciding.
Build respectful debate skills.
Class Norms
Respect everyone's ideas.
Listen without interrupting.
Use evidence-based reasoning.
Teacher Note: Read objectives aloud. Emphasize active listening and reasoning.
Quick Dilemma Warm-Up
1
In pairs, get one Two-Sided Dilemma Card .
2
Spend 2 minutes listing pros and cons for both "Should" and "Shouldn't."
3
Be ready to share one pro and one con with the class.
Teacher Note: Distribute cards. Set a 2-minute timer once every pair has a card.
The Dilemma Duel
I will display an ethical scenario.
Physically move to the "SHOULD" or "SHOULDN'T" side of the room.
Discuss within your group for 2 minutes.
We'll have a 3-minute cross-group debate.
THE GOAL
"Convince the other side to change their mind using logic, ethics, and consequences."
Teacher Note: Demonstrate the "vibe" of the debate—passionate but respectful.
Scenario #1
"Your best friend is cheating on a major test. You know the teacher will fail them if they’re caught. Should you report your friend?"
SHOULD
SHOULDN'T
Teacher Note: Move to your sides now! 2 mins to prep your case.
Debate: Reporting Cheating
Class Poll
SHOULD REPORT ___%
SHOULD NOT ___%
Key Talking Points
Academic integrity vs. Loyalty
Long-term consequences for the friend
Fairness to other students
Teacher Note: Tally votes by hand or tool. Facilitate the 3-minute debate.
Two Sided Dilemma Cards Warmup Two-Sided Dilemma Cards
Instructions: Cut along the dotted lines. Distribute one card per pair.
Card 1: Reporting Cheating
Scenario: Your best friend is cheating on a major test. You know the teacher will fail them if they’re caught.
Should (Pros)
Shouldn't (Cons)
Card 2: The Lost Wallet
Scenario: You find a wallet on the sidewalk with $200 cash and ID inside. No one saw you pick it up.
Should (Pros)
Shouldn't (Cons)
Card 3: Phone Use in Class
Scenario: You receive an urgent text from a friend during a lecture. The teacher said no phones.
Should (Pros)
Shouldn't (Cons)
Card 4: Sharing Homework
Scenario: A classmate asks to copy your completed homework. They promise to credit you.
Should (Pros)
Shouldn't (Cons)
Card 5: Skipping Practice
Scenario: You’re exhausted after school. Your coach expects you at practice, but you really need rest.
Should (Pros)
Shouldn't (Cons)
Card 6: Taking a Small Item
Scenario: You see a $5 keychain at a store. You could slip it into your pocket and no one would know.
Should (Pros)
Shouldn't (Cons)
Card 7: Lying to Parents
Scenario: You want to go to a party your parents wouldn’t approve of. They ask where you’re going.
Should (Pros)
Shouldn't (Cons)
Card 8: Witnessing Bullying
Scenario: You see someone being bullied in the hallway. No one else seems willing to intervene.
Should (Pros)
Shouldn't (Cons) Classwide Conscience Circle Facilitator Guide Conscience Circle
Facilitator Support Document
15 MINUTES
Purpose
Provides a structured space for personal insights and ethical reflections without interruption. This deepens empathy, reinforces respectful listening, and solidifies learning from the debate.
Setup
Chairs in a closed circle
Optional "talking piece"
Prompts visible to all
Essential Circle Norms
01
Speak from the "I": Share personal thoughts and feelings without generalizing.
02
Pure Listening: Do not interrupt, respond, or rebut while others speak.
03
Confidentiality: What is shared in the circle stays in the circle.
04
Brevity: Keep shares concise to allow time for everyone to speak.
Facilitation Steps
1
Arrange chairs in a circle. Review norms aloud, emphasizing listening without judgment .
2
Introduce the talking piece (if using). Only the person holding the object may speak.
3
Explain the order (e.g., clockwise). Read the first prompt clearly.
4
Teacher observes, taking notes on engagement and depth. Do not join the circle unless necessary.
Sample Discussion Prompts
“Share one ethical principle you noticed during today’s debates and why it stood out.”
“Describe a time your stance shifted on a dilemma and what influenced your change.”
“How might you apply today’s decision-making strategies in your own life or future choices?”
Post-Circle Reflection
Teacher Notes: Which contributions demonstrated deep ethical reasoning?
Teacher Notes: How well did the class uphold the listening norms?
Decision Dilemma Exit Ticket Exit Ticket
Should You or Shouldn't You?
Name / Date
1 Which ethical dilemma from today’s session did you find the most challenging or difficult to decide on? Explain why.
2 Name one specific strategy or question you can use in the future to help you make more responsible decisions when faced with an ethical crossroads.
Self-Reflection
How confident do you feel in your ability to weigh multiple perspectives before making a choice?
Not Very
1
2
3
4
5
Very
CASEL Responsible Decision-Making • 10th Grade Social-Emotional Learning
