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Past Consequences
The consequences of decisions made in the past provide the learning opportunity in this high energy, Smart Choices activity. Student teams imagine the results of a series of “What if” statements leading to an awareness of the importance of the decision making process.



Primary Learning Outcomes
How do past decisions demonstrate the value and importance of the decision making process.

Additional Learning Outcomes


Assessed QCC Standards:

Grade: 9-12
Guidance
C. Career Planning
9
Topic: Skills to make decisions.
Standard: -Demonstrate responsibility for making tentative educational and occupational choices. -Identify alternatives in given decision making situations. -Describe personal strengths and weaknesses in relationship to postsecondary education/training requirements. -Identify appropriate choices during high school that will lead to marketable skills for entry-level employment or advanced training. -Identify and complete required steps toward transition from high school to entry into post-secondary education/training programs or work. -Identify steps to apply for and secure financial assistance for postsecondary education and training.


Procedures/Activities


Step:  1 Duration: 10 min
Divide the class into two or three groups. (Option: Select a panel of three judges to score responses.) Have each group select a recorder. Have groups move as far away from each other as possible, so each group can work independently.

Step:  2 Duration: varies
Tell students you will read a question and each group will have two minutes to think of and write down all possible consequences of the statement. Each recorder will record all responses on paper. If easels and large paper pads are available, have recorders use them to write down responses so all students may see them when completed.

Attachments for Step 2
Title: “What if”... Statements FileName: What if.doc
Description: A list of possibilities to discuss.

Step:  3 Duration: varies
After two minutes have elapsed, stop the students and ask Group I to read one of its responses. Group II will follow by reading a different response it recorded. Group III will then have an opportunity to read one of its responses. The alternating continues until all responses have been read.

Step:  4 Duration: 
Scoring is done by giving two points for every response that meets two requirements. It must be different from any response read earlier by either of the groups. It must be judged by the teacher (or a panel of three impartial judges) to be a legitimate consequence of the ıWhat if... ġ statement preceding it.

Step:  5 Duration: 
Stop the activity while interest is still high and thoughts are coming. Tabulate the scores and declare the winner




Materials and Equipment
Two or three easels Two or three large pads of paper Pen or pencil Timer


Standards (Local and/or National)

Total Duration
1 hour

Technology Connection



Assessment
Students are evaluated as to their participation in team “What if” responses and the understanding these answers demonstrate regarding the decision making process.
Extension
This exercise in critical thinking can be extended to allow students to generate a “What if” list of questions for their own lives.
Remediation
Students can assume roles as readers or recorders.
Accommodation
For students with exceptional needs, what changes can be made in instruction and teaching delivery to enhance student participation and learning? Each area below is a direct link to general classroom accommodations.

Non-readers     Physical Impairments     Sensory Impairments     Attention/Behavior

Each disability below is a direct link to general classroom accommodations specific for that disability.

    Autism
    Deaf - Blind
    Deaf/Hard of Hearing
    Emotional and Behavioral Disorder
    Mild Intellectual Disability
    Orthopedic Impairment
    Other Health Impairment
        Attention Deficit Disorder/Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
        Tourette Syndrome
    Significant Development Delay
    Specific Learning Disability
    Speech - Language Impairment
    Traumatic Brain Injury
    Visual Impairment

Modification
For students with significant disabilities, what changes can be made in instruction and teaching delivery to allow students to participate in classroom instruction while working on IEP objectives and off grade level QCC standards. Below are suggested modifications correlated to the procedures of this lesson plan.