Social Scenario 6
Politics or Planet?
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Introduction
This week, students step into leadership roles to tackle an ethical challenge. They’ll imagine being community leaders, making decisions that impact the whole community.
This week we are asking them to consider the environment over popularity as they fill the shoes of a local politician. Imagine that!!!
The lesson emphasizes that leadership isn’t just about popularity but making tough ethical choices. A video will provide context, after which students will brainstorm and share viewpoints. The session concludes with a democratic class vote, teaching the importance of collective decision-making.
Hello future leaders! This week, we’re diving into a thought-provoking challenge. Imagine you’re in the shoes of a community leader, much like a school captain or the leader of a project group. Leadership isn’t always about popularity; it’s often about making tough ethical decisions.
Thsi week’s chanllenge involves you putting yourself in the shoes of a politician. Thai week we are going to ask you to make a decision on behalf of the entire community. And this is not easy!
We’re shining a spotlight on “ethics” this week. Ethics helps us distinguish between what’s right and wrong, guiding our choices, especially when the lines blur.
There’s a captivating video waiting for you, offering deeper insights. After diving in, group up, brainstorm, and share your perspectives.
As always we will take class vote at the end and make a class decision. Democracy is key!
Quote of the week - Greta Thunberg
Each week we will start by reading a quote, talking about what it means to further understand how we can use these words as lessons to learn from.
Read the following quote and discuss it with your class. You may even want to print it out and collate the quotes over the weeks to create a wall of discussion for future research projects.
Read this week’s quote and think about what it means and what we can learn from it to make the world a better place!
You may want to note it down in your notebook and draw a nice picture next to it! Each week we will visit a quote from a famous figure in the world and try to read between the lines of what they mean.
Quotes can be very powerful tools for change and a wonderful way to get your message out to the world.
Stick this one on the classroom wall and maybe discuss it each day before you go home from school.
Reading Activity - The Scenario
In this activity, students collaborate to address a societal situation, honing their problem-solving abilities. Within a set timeframe, they’ll decide on an approach, later presenting it for class debate. This encourages understanding diverse perspectives and enhances analytical thinking. Emphasizing active listening and respecting varied viewpoints, the task prepares students for real-life decision-making scenarios. They’ll engage with a provided situation and brainstorm solutions, making the learning process interactive and insightful.
For this task, we’ll hone our problem-solving abilities by collaboratively navigating a societal situation. Within an hour, we’ll collaboratively determine our top choice and then present it for a class debate.
Pooling our thoughts lets us view the situation from diverse angles, enhancing our analytical thinking. It’s essential to be attentive, inquisitive, and value every viewpoint.
Mastering this is crucial, as life often presents dilemmas requiring informed choices. Engage with the given situation, embrace varied outlooks, and let’s collaboratively brainstorm creative solutions for this week’s societal challenge! Enjoy the process!
Group Analysis - What Do You Think? Let's Discuss.
Students will use the booklet provided to evaluate the impact of a decision on each stakeholder involved. They will work in teams to discuss the positive and negative effects of the decision and take notes on their findings.
The students will then be asked to think about a solution or an alternative to avoid the negative impact on the stakeholders. For example, if the decision made has a negative impact on a stakeholder, the students will need to think about alternative ways to protect them from this danger.
To complete this task, the students will need to use their critical thinking and problem-solving skills. They will need to evaluate the situation from different perspectives and consider the impact of their decision on all stakeholders involved.
Additionally, the students will need to demonstrate effective communication and teamwork skills as they work together to discuss and analyze the situation. They will need to share their ideas and listen to each other’s perspectives to come up with the best solution possible.
Overall, this activity aims to develop the students’ ability to think critically and empathetically, and to encourage them to consider the impact of their decisions on others.
Use the booklet provided to evaluate the impact of the decision on each stakeholder involved. Work with your team to discuss the positive and negative effects of the decision, and take notes on your findings.
Then, based on the impact, think about a solution or alternative to avoid the negative impact on stakeholders. For example, if sitting in the sun for too long can cause skin cancer, wearing sunscreen can help protect us from this hazard.
If the decision made has a negative impact on a stakeholder, consider alternative ways of protecting them from this danger.
Work together and discuss the situation from all perspectives, taking into account the needs and concerns of all stakeholders. Use your critical thinking and problem-solving skills to come up with the best solution possible.
Stand Up and Speak - Your 2 Minute Delivery
Students will follow the task card’s five steps to prepare a two-minute talk. They will decide what to say and who will say it. Students will also need to be prepared for questions that may arise during or after the presentation.
During the talk, students will explain their decision and its impact on everyone involved. It’s essential to speak clearly and use simple language to ensure that everyone understands. This will also help to ensure that everyone is on the same page and there is no confusion about the decision made.
Preparing for this talk is an excellent chance for students to practice their communication skills, including speaking clearly, actively listening to others, and responding thoughtfully to questions. Students will need to work collaboratively and practice active listening as they work together to prepare their presentation.
By sharing their decision confidently and respectfully, students will develop their confidence in public speaking and presentation skills, which are crucial for future success. This lesson will also emphasize the importance of respectful communication and active listening, essential skills that students will need throughout their academic and professional careers.
aand professional careers. and professional careers
Now that your team has made a decision, it’s important to share it with the rest of the community. Follow the task card’s five steps to prepare a two-minute talk. Decide what to say and who will say it, and be ready for questions.
During your talk, explain your decision and its impact on everyone involved. Speak clearly and use simple language to help everyone understand.
Preparing for this talk is a chance to practice your public speaking and presentation skills. By sharing your decision confidently and respectfully, you can make sure that everyone is on the same page. Good luck!
Practicing Democracy - Let's Vote!
In this lesson, students will participate in a simulation of a democratic process. The teacher’s role is to facilitate the discussion and encourage students to engage in critical thinking and analysis of issues.
First, students will engage in a discussion about the importance of democracy and how public opinion can affect decisions made in society. They will learn about the power of their vote and how it can make a difference in the world.
Next, students will have the opportunity to practice their decision-making skills by casting an anonymous vote on a fictional issue. They will write their decision on a piece of paper, and after everyone has voted, the teacher will tally the totals and announce the decision to the class.
During the lesson, the teacher’s role is to facilitate the discussion, encourage respectful communication and active listening, and help students understand the importance of their voice and vote.
Once all groups have delivered their speeches, it’s time for an anonymous class vote to see the public opinion. This is like how democratic nations vote in new leaders or make decisions on how the country should be run. This is your chance to use your voice to make a difference and save the world.
Although this scenario is fictional, one day you will be asked to cast your vote on a real issue that will affect people you have never met. This week, we will practice these essential skills.
As a class, write your decision on a piece of paper, and after everyone has voted, tally the totals and announce the decision to the class. Everyone deserves a voice, and this is your chance to use yours.
Weekly Inspiration - One Earth
This week we have been discussing the need to prioritise protecting nature over money and profits. As a class, watch the following video and have a final discussion about how you have been inspired this week and what today’s lesson has taught you about the decisions you may need to make in the future.
“The only constant in this world is change, and that change is you!”