fairness

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Home : 2000 : December : 14

fairness
By Steph

For one of my observations, I used a hands-on lesson concerning fairness, in association with my Social Studies (character education) core content.

The class had a building contest. Each team was given different building
materials. There were six different bags of materials -- (1) marshmallows only; (2) marshmallows and straws; (3) marshmallows, straws, and toothpicks; (4) marshmallows and toothpicks; (5) toothpicks only; and (6) an empty bag. The kids weren't allowed to open their bags until the timer started. Each group had 5 minutes to build the tallest freestanding tower.
Immediately several

groups will argue that this isn't fair. After the contest, the class will institute a discussion of fairness. Lead the discussion to real life situations. I even read a book about fairness (incorporating language arts).

The class should then discuss ways to make the contest fair. Distribute equal materials (packaged prior to the lesson) and begin the contest again. Provide prizes for the team that builds the tallest tower. Have consolation prizes for the other teams.

The downside to this is the mess the students will make with the marshmallows. You will need baby wipes for the cleanup. It will also be handy to have plastic grocery bags for each team to dispose of the building materials.

I hope this helps.