English

Oral Language 9.2, 9.4, 10.1, 10.2, 11.1

Writing 9.6, 10.7, 11.7, 12.7

Research 9.8, 10.11

Science

Biology BIO.6i

A Discussion of Ethics

The purpose of this activity is for the student to develop an awareness of and respect for the opinions of other people.

Steps To Complete the Activity

Have students

• Do research and write their opinions on such issues as criminal profiling, the impact of DNA technologies, welfare reform, and charter schools.
• Divide into small groups of 4-5 to discuss each other’s opinions. Be sure that all students express their ideas on each issue.
• Write an explanation of how their opinions were influenced or even changed by the ideas of others.

Discussion

The teacher should lead a closing discussion on the strengths and weaknesses of students’ opinions. This may be a good place to discuss being open-minded to opposing ideas because a good leader must listen to opposing ideas.

Resources

Resources may include other people, personal diaries or journals, the Internet, and libraries.