Area: Philosophy

Are We Living in a Simulation?

Are We Living in a Simulation, and What Would it Mean if the Answer is Yes? Begin the lesson with the two short videos in the Lesson Attachment linked above to get the students thinking and engaged in the lesson. Ask them to briefly reflect on the following questions (individual reflection): Do you agree or … Are We Living in a Simulation?

Philosophy of Teams

Description: In this lesson, educators will ask students a number of questions about a sports team undergoing different types of hypothetical changes over the course of an offseason. The questions, which discuss player replacements, changes to uniform, and location switches, invite students to grapple with the question, “how much change has to occur over the … Philosophy of Teams

Courage without Vulnerability?

Woman leaping over cravass at sunset

Can there be courage in a world without vulnerability? This lesson explores the definitions of courage and the definition of a lesser discussed word: vulnerability. Through a series of questions the lesson is geared to get students thinking about a possible connection that exists between vulnerability and courage. It challenges the stigma often associated with … Courage without Vulnerability?

Does Grammar Matter?

stack of English grammar books

Lesson Overview Has anyone ever corrected you on your grammar? In this lesson, teachers will encourage students to explore their use of grammar. We all use it, but why does it matter? In looking further into their grammar use, students will consider the role that grammar plays in different people’s lives. This lesson breaks down … Does Grammar Matter?

Me and You

Ripples in water reflecting sky

Start off the activity by talking to the students about relationships. Questions: Who here has someone they’re close with? (whether that be a friend or family member) Are there any other people you have a close relationship with? Why do you think you’re close to them? What is a relationship? After introducing the idea of … Me and You

Where are you?

signpost in countryside by the sea

Warm Up Activity: Where do you live? Ask students the following questions: What street do you live on? What town do you live in? What state do you live in? What country do you live in? What do you live near? What is around you? Reflect on this activity by reminding them that there are … Where are you?

What Kind of Question is This?

hand pointing to chalk writing "what where when why how who"

This lesson works well for early elementary school students (kindergarten-3rd grade) and can be used either in a classroom or online. This is a helpful activity to do with elementary aged students to help differentiate between philosophical and other kinds of questions. This helps build their skills of identifying and asking philosophical questions during philosophy … What Kind of Question is This?

Who is the Teacher?

teaching point to globe surround by students

Preparation: Make a slide deck to share with students either using the classroom projector or with a shared screen function in the online setting.  In the deck you’ll want to include: First, a slide entitled “Who is the teacher?” with two pictures—one an adult who is teaching and one a young person who is teaching. … Who is the Teacher?

“Old Roger is Dead”

Whole Sequence Breakdown: Welcome and warm-up (c. 5-10 minutes) Brief initial discussion (10 minutes) Learning of the song and ring play (20 minutes) Whole-group share and discussion (20 minutes) Possible extensions (for extra time, or additional lessons) Welcome and Warm-up Welcome students and share any updates, or follow-up on points from the last session. Warm-up … “Old Roger is Dead”