Lesson 4: Ethics, Impact, and Responsibility
Duration of Days: 3
Lesson Objective
Students will be able to evaluate the ethical implications and potential impact of public arguments.
What harm can public arguments cause?
What responsibilities do speakers have?
How should impact be considered?
Ethics
Impact
Responsibility
Accountability
D2.CIV.5.9–12 – Analyze how communication influences public decision-making
D2.CIV.10.9–12 – Analyze the impact of civic engagement on democratic systems
D1.INQ.8.9–12 – Assess strengths and limitations of evidence
Evaluating consequences
Analyzing reasoning
Supporting ethical claims
Students analyze case studies involving public discourse and unintended consequences.
DOK Level: 3
Connections to cancel culture, misinformation, and activism
Discussion of accountability
“Free speech means no responsibility”
“Impact does not matter if intent is good”
Case study choice
Ethical frameworks
Small-group analysis
Ethical analysis writing
Discussion participation
Case studies
Public controversies
Media examples