Working Together · Term 4

Entrepreneurship: Innovation and Risk-Taking

Exploring the concept of entrepreneurship, the characteristics of entrepreneurs, and the role of innovation and risk-taking in business development.

About This Topic

Making Fair Choices introduces students to the concepts of democracy and group decision-making. They explore different ways a group can choose an activity or solve a dilemma, such as voting, taking turns, or reaching a consensus (AC9HASSFK06). This topic helps students understand that 'fairness' doesn't always mean getting exactly what you want, but rather that everyone's voice is heard and the process is transparent.

Learning about fair choices is essential for building a democratic classroom culture. It teaches students to listen to diverse opinions and accept a group decision even if it wasn't their first choice. This topic is best taught through active 'Voting Simulations' and 'Consensus Games,' where students can see the immediate results of different decision-making methods.

Active Learning Ideas

Simulation Game: The Great Fruit Vote

The class must decide on a fruit for a snack. Use different voting methods: 1. Raising hands. 2. Putting a counter in a jar. 3. Standing on different sides of the room. Discuss which felt the 'fairest' and why.

⏱ 25 min·Whole Class

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Inquiry Circle: The Fairness Test

In small groups, students are given a 'problem' (e.g., 'There is only one swing and four people want it'). They must brainstorm three different ways to decide who goes first and then 'test' them out to see which is most fair.

⏱ 30 min·Small Groups

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Think-Pair-Share: What is Fair?

Students think of a time they felt something was 'not fair.' They share with a partner and try to come up with one rule that would have made it fair for everyone involved.

⏱ 15 min·Pairs

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Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

Students often think 'fair' means 'everyone gets the same thing'.

What to Teach Instead

Use the 'Band-Aid' analogy: If one person has a scraped knee and another has a headache, giving them both a Band-Aid is 'the same' but not 'fair.' This active discussion helps students understand that fairness can mean giving people what they need.

Common Misconception

Children may believe that the person who shouts the loudest should get to choose.

What to Teach Instead

Implement structured voting systems where every student has one 'token' or 'vote.' This physical representation of a 'voice' shows that in a fair system, everyone has equal power regardless of how loud they are.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I explain 'consensus' to Foundation students?

Call it 'The Big Agreement.' Explain that it's when we keep talking until we find an idea that everyone can live with, even if it's not their favorite. Use a 'Thumbs Up/Thumbs Sideways' check to see if the group is getting closer to an agreement.

How can active learning help students understand democracy?

Active learning through 'Mock Elections' for simple things (like which book to read) makes the concept of a 'vote' concrete. When students physically see the 'pile of votes' for one option growing larger, they understand the power of the majority in a way that an abstract explanation cannot provide.

What do I do if a student gets upset when their choice doesn't win?

Use it as a 'Civics Moment.' Acknowledge the feeling, but focus on the 'Fair Process.' Ask, 'Did everyone get a vote? Was the counting fair?' This helps the student separate their personal desire from the integrity of the group's decision.

How does this topic link to the 'Civics and Citizenship' strand?

It is the foundation of 'Participatory Democracy.' By learning how to make fair choices in a small group, students are developing the skills they will later use to understand local, state, and national government.

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