Learning to Give, Philanthropy education resources that teach giving and civic engagement

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Character Education: Fairness (Grade 8)
Unit of 5 lessons
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Unit Purpose:

In this unit, students define the meaning of fairness and compare and contrast it with the meaning of justice and equitable treatment. Learners discuss the fair use of copyrighted music. They explore how downloading music and movies affects the artists and producers who created the pieces. Students meet in a "round" to discuss issues of fairness related to the common good. Learners read about and discuss Fair Trade and how it relates to justice, fairness, and equity. Students reflect on their attitude about and responsibility for making fair choices about spending. They use the literary device of metaphor for expressing their thoughts.

Focus Question: What role does fairness play in relationships and life success? How can developing fairness equip people as world citizens who contribute to the common good?
After using this character education unit, please complete a short evaluation.

Unit Duration:

Five 20-Minute Lessons

Unit Objectives:

The learner will:

  • discuss the meaning of justice.
  • compare and contrast the terms just, fair, and equitable.
  • define the terms just, fair, and equitable.
  • define copyright and fair use.
  • discuss ethical issues related to purchasing and downloading music fairly.
  • write a fairness statement about using movies and music on the internet.
  • discuss issues of fairness related to the music industry.
  • discuss issues of fairness and the common good.
  • write a brief reflection as an exit ticket.
  • define fair trade.
  • read about the principles of fair trade.
  • discuss choices about spending as they relate to fairness and the common good.
  • relate fair trade to justice.
  • define metaphor and simile.
  • write a creative metaphor about the issue of fairness in the music industry or in fair trade.

Service Experience:

Although lessons in this unit contain service project examples, decisions about service plans and implementation should be made by students, as age appropriate.

This character education mini-lesson is not intended to be a service learning lesson or to meet the K-12 Service-Learning Standards for Quality Practice. The character education units will be most effective when taught in conjunction with a student-designed service project that provides a real world setting in which students can develop and practice good character and leadership skills.  For ideas and suggestions for organizing service events go to generationon.org.

Notes for Teaching:

It is recommended that learners keep a journal to record their learning and reflections about the character traits studied.

State Curriculum and Philanthropy Theme Frameworks:

See individual lessons for benchmark detail.

Lessons Developed By:

Barbara Dillbeck
Director
Learning to Give

Betsy Flikkema
Associate Director
Learning to Give

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