Conformity & Peer Pressure: What If?
Inquiry Framework
Question Framework
Driving Question
The overarching question that guides the entire project.In what ways do the pressures to conform, as depicted in art and literature, shape individual identities and choices, and how can we use critical thinking to evaluate the ethical implications of these pressures in our own lives?Essential Questions
Supporting questions that break down major concepts.- How does the desire to fit in influence individual choices and behaviors?
- In what ways can conformity both benefit and harm individuals and society?
- How can critical thinking and self-awareness help navigate peer pressure?
- What are the ethical considerations surrounding conformity and non-conformity in various social contexts?
- How do different forms of media (e.g., literature, art) portray the complexities of conformity and peer pressure?
Standards & Learning Goals
Learning Goals
By the end of this project, students will be able to:- Students will analyze examples of conformity and peer pressure in literature and art.
- Students will evaluate the consequences of conforming and not conforming.
- Students will apply critical thinking to ethical implications of conformity in real-life contexts.
- Students will understand how media portrays conformity and peer pressure.
Entry Events
Events that will be used to introduce the project to students'Reality TV' Simulation
Students are immersed in a simulated 'reality TV' show where they face challenges designed to test their willingness to conform to group expectations or stand up for their beliefs. This interactive experience allows them to analyze their own behavior and the ethical dilemmas of conformity under pressure.The Mysterious Case of the Vanishing Opinions
Students arrive to find their classroom strangely devoid of any personal touches or decorations, replaced by bland, uniform items. A video message plays, challenging them to uncover why individuality has disappeared and the potential consequences of such conformity, sparking a debate on the value of unique perspectives.'The Ripple Effect' Experiment
A seemingly innocuous request is made to the students, such as wearing a specific color or altering their hairstyle for a day. The activity evolves into a school-wide observation of how easily trends spread and the social pressures that drive conformity, prompting reflections on personal choice and societal influence.Portfolio Activities
Portfolio Activities
These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.The Ethical Compass: Mapping Consequences
Students will explore the potential consequences—both positive and negative—of conforming and not conforming in the scenarios presented. This activity emphasizes critical thinking and ethical considerations.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA series of T-charts mapping the potential consequences and ethical implications of conforming and not conforming in the given scenarios.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses the learning goal: Students will evaluate the consequences of conforming and not conforming, and apply critical thinking to ethical implications of conformity in real-life contexts.Rubric & Reflection
Portfolio Rubric
Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolioEthical Compass: Consequences of Conformity Rubric
Analysis of Consequences
Evaluation of the depth and breadth of the student's analysis of potential consequences of conforming and not conforming in various scenarios.Short-Term Consequences
Assesses the student's ability to identify and describe the immediate outcomes of decisions to conform or not conform.
Exemplary
4 PointsIdentifies and comprehensively explains a wide range of immediate consequences, demonstrating a sophisticated understanding of cause-and-effect relationships. Connects these consequences to broader social dynamics. Provides nuanced examples. Reason: Demonstrates thorough and insightful analysis.
Proficient
3 PointsIdentifies and clearly explains several relevant immediate consequences, demonstrating a good understanding of cause-and-effect relationships. Provides clear examples. Reason: Shows effective understanding and application of concepts.
Developing
2 PointsIdentifies some immediate consequences, but the explanations are simplistic or incomplete. Demonstrates a basic understanding of cause-and-effect relationships. Examples may be vague. Reason: Shows emerging understanding but requires further development.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to identify relevant immediate consequences. Demonstrates a limited understanding of cause-and-effect relationships. Lacks clear examples. Reason: Shows initial understanding but needs significant support.
Long-Term Consequences
Assesses the student's ability to identify and describe the lasting effects of decisions to conform or not conform, demonstrating foresight and critical thinking.
Exemplary
4 PointsIdentifies and comprehensively explains a wide range of long-term consequences, demonstrating foresight and a sophisticated understanding of how decisions impact future outcomes and broader societal trends. Provides nuanced and well-reasoned examples. Reason: Demonstrates advanced analytical skills.
Proficient
3 PointsIdentifies and clearly explains several relevant long-term consequences, demonstrating a good understanding of how decisions impact future outcomes. Provides clear examples. Reason: Shows effective understanding and application of analytical skills.
Developing
2 PointsIdentifies some long-term consequences, but the explanations are simplistic or incomplete. Demonstrates a basic understanding of how decisions impact future outcomes. Examples may be vague. Reason: Shows emerging understanding but requires further development.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to identify relevant long-term consequences. Demonstrates a limited understanding of how decisions impact future outcomes. Lacks clear examples. Reason: Shows initial understanding but needs significant support.
Ethical Considerations
Evaluation of the student's ability to recognize and analyze the ethical dimensions of conformity and non-conformity, including values, principles, and moral implications.Identification of Ethical Dilemmas
Assesses the student's ability to recognize and clearly articulate the ethical dilemmas present in scenarios involving conformity and non-conformity.
Exemplary
4 PointsIdentifies and articulates ethical dilemmas with nuance and sophistication, demonstrating a deep understanding of underlying values, principles, and moral implications. Considers diverse ethical perspectives. Reason: Demonstrates advanced ethical reasoning.
Proficient
3 PointsIdentifies and clearly articulates ethical dilemmas, demonstrating a good understanding of underlying values and principles. Reason: Shows effective understanding and application of ethical concepts.
Developing
2 PointsIdentifies some ethical dilemmas, but the articulation is simplistic or incomplete. Demonstrates a basic understanding of underlying values and principles. Reason: Shows emerging understanding but requires further development.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to identify relevant ethical dilemmas. Demonstrates a limited understanding of underlying values and principles. Reason: Shows initial understanding but needs significant support.
Analysis of Ethical Implications
Assesses the student's ability to analyze the ethical implications of choosing to conform or not conform, including potential impacts on individuals and society.
Exemplary
4 PointsAnalyzes the ethical implications with depth and insight, considering potential impacts on individuals, society, and the broader ethical landscape. Demonstrates a nuanced understanding of competing values and principles. Reason: Demonstrates exceptional ethical analysis.
Proficient
3 PointsAnalyzes the ethical implications clearly and thoughtfully, considering potential impacts on individuals and society. Reason: Shows effective understanding and application of ethical analysis skills.
Developing
2 PointsPresents a basic analysis of the ethical implications, but may overlook some important considerations or provide simplistic explanations. Reason: Shows emerging understanding but requires further development.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to analyze the ethical implications. Demonstrates a limited understanding of the ethical dimensions of conformity and non-conformity. Reason: Shows initial understanding but needs significant support.
Clarity and Organization
Evaluation of the clarity, structure, and overall presentation of the T-charts and accompanying explanations.Structure and Format
Assesses the organization and clarity of the T-charts, ensuring they are well-structured and easy to understand.
Exemplary
4 PointsPresents exceptionally well-organized and clear T-charts with a logical structure that enhances understanding. The format is visually appealing and effectively highlights key information. Reason: Demonstrates excellent organizational and presentation skills.
Proficient
3 PointsPresents well-organized and clear T-charts with a logical structure. The format is easy to follow and supports understanding. Reason: Shows effective organizational and presentation skills.
Developing
2 PointsPresents T-charts with some organizational issues that may slightly impede understanding. The format could be improved for clarity. Reason: Shows emerging organizational skills but requires further development.
Beginning
1 PointsPresents poorly organized and unclear T-charts with a confusing structure. The format is difficult to follow. Reason: Shows initial organizational skills but needs significant support.
Clarity of Explanations
Assesses the clarity and precision of the written explanations accompanying the T-charts.
Exemplary
4 PointsProvides exceptionally clear, concise, and precise explanations that demonstrate a sophisticated understanding of the concepts. Uses language effectively to convey complex ideas. Reason: Demonstrates excellent communication skills and deep understanding.
Proficient
3 PointsProvides clear and concise explanations that demonstrate a good understanding of the concepts. Uses appropriate language effectively. Reason: Shows effective communication skills and understanding.
Developing
2 PointsProvides explanations that are sometimes unclear or incomplete, indicating a basic understanding of the concepts. Language use could be improved. Reason: Shows emerging communication skills but requires further development.
Beginning
1 PointsProvides explanations that are unclear, confusing, and demonstrate a limited understanding of the concepts. Language use is ineffective. Reason: Shows initial communication skills but needs significant support.