Reading complex literary texts offers unique opportunities for students to wrestle with some of the core ethical dilemmas that we face as human beings. The growth of ethical reasoning is one of the most compelling reasons for schools to develop students' capacities to read complex works of literature. Students who enter high school as struggling readers are quite capable of engaging with such texts, in part because these same students are often wrestling with complex challenges in their own lives.

A comprehensive site from the BBC about Taoism, with information on its history, principal texts, customs, beliefs, and ethics.

A site that defines and describes the dangers and realities of plagiarism. Also gives information on why students plagiarize, strategies for preventing, making plagiarism-proof assignments, and links to other sites.

An in-depth look at cloning and the technology behind it. Students work through interactive learning material, understanding the ethics involved in all types of cloning. There is a suggested classroom activity and a self-checking quiz at the end of the lesson.

Students learn that computers and electronic files are property and explore the reasons for, consequences, and ethics of teen hacking. This ISTE-aligned lesson plan for Grades 6-8 includes student activity and Home Connection sheets. Requires Adobe Reader.

Learn artificial intelligence concepts using Quick, Draw!, AutoDraw, Google Translate, and Google Slides. Time to complete: 45-90 minutes

Students analyze an assortment of popular inventions to determine whom they are intended to benefit, who has access to them, who might be harmed by them, and who is profiting by them. Then they re-imagine the devices in a way that they believe would do more good for humanity. During the first 90-minute class period, they evaluate and discuss designs in small groups and as a class, examining their decision-making criteria. Collectively, they decide upon a definition of "ethical" that they use going forward. During the second period, students apply their new point-of-view to redesign popular inventions (on paper) and persuasively present them to the class, explaining how they meet the class standards for ethical designs. Two PowerPoint® presentations, a worksheet and grading rubric are provided.

A 190-page reader of selected writings from the most-influential thinkers of the Western tradition on the wide-ranging subject of ethics. Essential background information for any serious student of the principles of law, good government, society, politics, religion, and ethical reasoning. Includes excerpts from Thucydides, Plato, Aristotle, the bible, Aquinas, Locke, Jefferson, Bentham, and Marx, among others.

Explore the ethical dilemma presented in Le Guin's short story "The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas" in this video [3:43] from the American Masters film "Worlds of Ursula K. Le Guin." The short story provides rich material for students to discuss what they would be willing to overlook to create a "nearly" perfect society. Is something "right" if it benefits the majority of people, or does it need to benefit all people? What if you have to choose between two options that both have negative outcomes for some? Support materials include discussion questions, vocabulary, and an exploration of the famous ethical dilemma "the trolley problem."

Help students understand the work ethic, and character trait of trustworthiness. Includes material for young students, lesson ideas for teachers of young children complete with hands-on exercises.

Species extinction is happening at an alarming rate according to scientists. In this lesson, students are asked to consider why extinction is a problem that we should concern us. They are taught that destruction of habitat is the main reason many species are threatened. The lesson explores ways that engineers can help save endangered species.

Georgetown University site with a lengthy article on many aspects of gene therapy. Includes background and historical information and numerous resources on the topic. Focus here is on the ethics of these types of therapies.

Especially designed website companion to the PBS ecology series The Greens helps kids explore ideas about making smart environmental choices. Find animated videos, activity suggestions, projects to do, and solid advice for putting your best ecological foot forward.

Members of the Islamic Center of Washington, DC discuss the religious and spiritual significance of Ramadan and the celebration that concludes it, Eid al-Fitr, in this video segment from Religion & Ethics Newsweekly. [1:50]

A lesson to help students understand the basic legal and ethical responsibilities involved in making reality videos. Requires access to an episode from "American High," the documentary aired on PBS about high school students from Chicago.

This site is a must see for any lesson or unit on biotechnology! It is a companion to the PBS video "Bloodlines: Technology Hits Home," although it can certainly be used without the video. It's a fantastic site that will challenge students to think about their opinions in several ethical dilemmas. There is a timeline of genetic and reproductive technology and more.

Psychology is designed to meet scope and sequence requirements for the single-semester introduction to psychology course. The book offers a comprehensive treatment of core concepts, grounded in both classic studies and current and emerging research. The text also includes coverage of the DSM-5 in examinations of psychological disorders. Psychology incorporates discussions that reflect the diversity within the discipline, as well as the diversity of cultures and communities across the globe.Senior Contributing AuthorsRose M. Spielman, Formerly of Quinnipiac UniversityContributing AuthorsKathryn Dumper, Bainbridge State CollegeWilliam Jenkins, Mercer UniversityArlene Lacombe, Saint Joseph's UniversityMarilyn Lovett, Livingstone CollegeMarion Perlmutter, University of Michigan

By the end of this section, you will be able to:

Discuss how research involving human subjects is regulated
Summarize the processes of informed consent and debriefing
Explain how research involving animal subjects is regulated