Lesson Plan
Course Title: Concepts of Engineering and Technology
Session Title: Ethics in the Engineering Workplace – Society and Ethics
Performance Objective:
After completing this lesson, students will be able to describe what personal and professional
ethics is and recall information from the Code of Ethics for Engineers, National Society of
Professional Engineers (NSPE), and the National Institute for Engineering Ethics (NIEE) by
completing the quiz provided with this lesson.
Specific Objectives:
After completing this lesson, students will be able to:
 Describe “What is Ethics?” and why engineers need ethics.
 Determine what is ethical in society.
 Differentiate between personal and professional ethics.
 Discuss ethics and engineering ethics during class discussion.
 Recall information from the Code of Ethics for Engineers.
 Recall information about the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE)
 Recall information about the National Institute for Engineering Ethics (NIEE).
Preparation
TEKS Correlations:
This lesson, as published, correlates to the following TEKS. Any changes/alterations to the
activities may result in the elimination of any or all of the TEKS listed.
Concepts of Engineering and Technology:

130.362 (c) (4)(A)(B)(C)(D)
...describe how technology has affected individuals, societies, cultures, economies, and
environments;
...describe how the development and use of technology influenced past events;
...describe how and why technology progresses;
...predict possible changes caused by the advances of technology.
Interdisciplinary Correlations:
English:

110.31(b)(1)(E)
…use a dictionary, a glossary, or a thesaurus (printed or electronic) to determine or
confirm the meanings of words and phrases, including their connotations and
denotations, and their etymology.

110.31(b)(15)(B)
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…write procedural or work-related documents (e.g., instructions, e-mails,
correspondence, memos, project plans) that include:
(i) organized and accurately conveyed information; and
(ii) reader-friendly formatting techniques.

110.31(b)(18)(A)(B)
…use conventions of capitalization; and
…use correct punctuation marks including:
(i) quotation marks to indicate sarcasm or irony;
(ii) comma placement in nonrestrictive phrases, clauses, and contrasting expressions;
and
(iii) dashes to emphasize parenthetical information.

110.31(b)(19)
…Oral and Written Conventions/Spelling. Students spell correctly. Students are
expected to spell correctly, including using various resources to determine and check
correct spellings.
Computer Science I:

126.22. (3)(c)(A)(B)
...discuss copyright laws/issues and model ethical acquisition and use of digital
information, citing sources using established methods;
...demonstrate proper etiquette and knowledge of acceptable use policies when using
networks, especially resources on the Internet and intranet;

126.22. (4)(c)(A)
...use local area networks (LANs) and wide area networks (WANs), including the Internet
and intranet, in research and resource sharing;

126.22. (6)(c)(B)
...implement methods for the evaluation of the information using defined rubrics.

126.22. (8)(c)(B)(C)
...demonstrate proficiency in, appropriate use of, and navigation of LANs and WANs for
research and for sharing of resources;
...extend the learning environment beyond the school walls with digital products created
to increase teaching and learning in the foundation and enrichment curricula;
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Teacher Preparation:
1. Be familiar with the Code of Ethics for Engineers.
2. Present the Ethics in the Engineering Workplace Microsoft PowerPoint.
Optional preparation:
Teacher may choose to use the Gilbane Gold: A Case Study in Engineering Ethics to
supplement this lesson. Video may be purchased and free downloads reproduced (PPT
presentation, study guide, script, assignment A & B) and are available at:
http://www.murdough.ttu.edu/ProductsServices-GilbaneGold.htm
References:
Gomez, Oakes, & Leone. (2006). Engineering Your Future, Second Edition. Wildwood, MO:
Great Lakes Press, Inc.
National Institute for ENGINEERING ETHICS (NIEE). Gilbane Gold: A Case Study in
Engineering Ethics Video - 1989 (23 min.)
National Society of Professional Engineers
http://www.nspe.org
Online Ethics Center for Engineering and Research Teaching Tools
http://www.onlineethics.org/Resources/TeachingTools.aspx
Instructional Aids:
1. Computer with Microsoft PowerPoint
2. Computer with Microsoft Word
3. Optional - Gilbane Gold: A Case Study in Engineering Ethics video, PowerPoint
presentation, study guide, script, assignment A & B.
Gilbane Gold Case Study video (how to purchase) and free documents to print available at:
http://www.murdough.ttu.edu/ProductsServices-GilbaneGold.htm
Materials Needed:
1. Pen/Pencil
2. Technical Terms and Definitions Handout
3. Engineering Ethics Quiz
4. Engineering Ethics Quiz Key
5. Optional – Gilbane Gold Ethics in the Engineering Workplace – Assignment, Script,
Study Guide
6. Optional – Gilbane Gold Worksheet Assignment Rubric
Equipment Needed:
1. Computers
2. Internet access
3. Video screen projector
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Learner Preparation:
Students must be able to describe how technology has affected individuals, societies, cultures,
economies, and environments.
Introduction
Introduction (LSI Quadrant I):
SAY: Today we will study ethics in the engineering workplace and understand the code of
ethics for engineers. We will learn about the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE)
and the National Institute for Engineering Ethics (NIEE).
ASK: What are ethics?
SAY: Ethics are concerned with standards, rules or guidelines for morally or socially approved
conduct such as being honest or trustworthy or acting in the best interest of a society.
SAY: Engineers in all engineering disciples use ethics.
ASK: Can someone give an example of a way that engineers use ethics?
SHOW: NSPE Code of Ethics for Engineers website
(http://www.nspe.org/Ethics/CodeofEthics/index.html)
SAY: In this lesson you will discuss an ethics story focused on the responsibilities of engineers
documented the NSPE.
ASK: How have you used ethics in your personal life?
SHOW: The Ethics in the Engineering Workspace – Society and Ethics PowerPoint.
Outline
Outline (LSI Quadrant II):
Instructors can use the PowerPoint presentation, slides, handouts, and note pages in
conjunction with the following outline.
MI
Outline
Notes to Instructor
I. Introduction
Begin Microsoft
PowerPoint
presentation
Slides 1-2
Teacher proceeds
through presentation
with questions and
answers from
students.
II. Technical communication
A. Technical terms & definitions
See Microsoft
PowerPoint
Slides 3-6
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Teacher will discuss
the technical terms
and definitions with
students.
III. What are Ethics?
See Microsoft
PowerPoint
Slide 7-8
Teacher defines the
term ethics with the
students.
IV. What’s Ethical?
See Microsoft
PowerPoint
Slides 9-10
Teacher discusses
what’s ethical and
what’s not ethical.
V. Everyday Personal Ethics Examples
See Microsoft
PowerPoint
Slides 11
Teacher points out
examples of personal
ethics examples.
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VI. Ethics Class Discussion
See Microsoft
PowerPoint
Slides 12-14
Students discuss an
ethics example.
VII. Engineers and Ethics
See Microsoft
PowerPoint
Slides 15
Teacher discusses the
ethics expectations for
engineers.
VIII. Engineering Ethics
See Microsoft
PowerPoint
Slide 16
Teacher presents the
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code of ethics for
engineers directed by
the NSPE.
IX. Engineering Ethics Class Discussion
See Microsoft
PowerPoint
Slides 17-25
Students discuss
engineering ethics
examples.
X. Ethical Issues are Seldom Black & White
See Microsoft
PowerPoint
Slide 26
Teacher informs
students that ethical
issues aren’t always
clear.
XI. National Society of Professional Engineers
(NSPE)
See Microsoft
PowerPoint
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Slides 27-29
Teacher introduces the
students to the NSPE,
a professional
engineering
organization that
encourages engineers
to make ethical
engineering decisions.
XII. National Institute for ENGINEERING ETHICS
(NIEE)
See Microsoft
PowerPoint
Slide 30
Teacher introduces the
students to the NIEE,
A professional
engineering
organization that also
encourages engineers
to make ethical
engineering decisions.
XIII. Summary
See Microsoft
PowerPoint
Slide 31
Teacher summarizes
the lesson by stating
that ethics begins with
each engineer who is
legally responsible for
his/her professional
actions.
XI. Optional Assignment – Gilbane Gold Assignment:
Engineering Ethics Case Study
A. Teacher presents the Gilbane Gold
PowerPoint.
B. Students will either watch the video or act
out the roles of the Gilbane Gold Script.
C. Students will complete the Gilbane Gold
Worksheet.
See Microsoft
PowerPoint
Slide 32
Teacher will need to
have copies of the
Assignment: Gilbane
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D. Students may also read the Gilbane Gold
Study Guide.
Verbal
Linguistic
Logical
Mathematical
Visual
Spatial
Musical
Rhythmic
Bodily
Kinesthetic
Intrapersonal
Gold Worksheet,
Script for Gilbane Gold
and the Gilbane Gold
Study Guide handouts
for each student. See
instructional resources
for the website link
where the documents
are found.
Interpersonal
Naturalist
Existentialist
Application
Guided Practice (LSI Quadrant III):
Open Microsoft Word on your computer. Teacher guides the discussion, questions and Answers
from Engineering Ethics from PowerPoint presentation. Optional - Open the Gilbane Gold
worksheet, script, study guide handout documents. Review the documents with your students.
Independent Practice (LSI Quadrant III):
Students complete pop quiz.
Optional - Students will discuss the Gilbane Gold engineering ethics story and will use
Microsoft Word to list the three major ethical issues in the video and list three actions they would
take immediately (within 2 days) if they were president of ZCORP. Students will discuss and
complete the Gilbane Gold engineering ethics story worksheet.
Summary
Review (LSI Quadrants I and IV):
Question: What are ethics?
Answer: Ethics are concerned with standards, rules or guidelines for morally or socially
approved conduct such as being honest or trustworthy or acting in the best interest of a society.
Question: Share the Code of Ethics for Engineers (excerpt from the NSPE). What shall
Engineers, in the fulfillment of their professional duties do?
Answer: Engineers, in the fulfillment of their professional duties, shall:
 Hold paramount the safety, health and welfare of the public in the performance of
their professional duties.
 Perform services only in areas of their competence.
 Issue public statements only in an objective and truthful manner.
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 Act in professional matters for each employer or client as faithful agents or
trustees.
 Avoid deceptive acts in the solicitation of professional employment.
Evaluation
Informal Assessment (LSI Quadrant III):
Discussion, questions and answers on engineering ethics from PowerPoint presentation (Slides
17-25). Optional - Teacher observes as students discuss the Gilbane Gold engineering ethics
story and complete the Gilbane Gold worksheet.
Formal Assessment (LSI Quadrant III, IV):
Pop quiz. Optional - Students will discuss and complete the Assignment: Gilbane Gold
Worksheet with the team members and be assessed through rubric.
Extension
Extension/Enrichment (LSI Quadrant IV):
Students will present/discuss the 3 major ethical issues they found in the Gilbane Gold video
and present/discuss the 3 actions they would take immediately (within 2 days) if they were
president of ZCORP.
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Technical Terms & Definitions
Instructions: The terms and definitions listed below are discussed in this lesson.
Please review before proceeding with this lesson.
Terms
Definitions
Ethics
Is concerned with standards, rules or guidelines for
morally or socially approved conduct such as being
honest or trustworthy or acting in the best interest of a
society.
Obligations
Requirements arising from a person’s situation or
circumstances (e.g., relationships, knowledge, and
position) that specify what must or must not be done for
moral, legal, religious, or institutional reasons.
Software Piracy
The illegal copying, distribution or use of software. Types
of software piracy, for example, include: purchasing a
single user license and loading it onto multiple computers
or a server.
Whistle Blowing
When a person raises a concern about wrongdoing
occurring in an organization or body of people.
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Ethics in the Engineering Workplace
Pop Quiz
1. What does NSPE stand for?
2. What does NIEE stand for?
3. What is Ethics?
4. A person’s behavior is always ethical when he or she:
a. Does what is best for oneself
b. Has good intentions no matter how things turn out
c. Does what is best for everyone
d. Does what is most profitable
5. Engineers should follow their professional ethics code because:
a. It helps them avoid legal problems, such as getting sued
b. It provides a clear definition of what the public has a right to expect from
responsible engineers
c. It raises the image of the profession and, hence, get engineers more pay
d. The public will trust engineers more once they know engineers have an
ethics code
6. Engineers should act ethically because:
a. If they do not, they risk getting demoted or fired
b. The boss wants them to
c. It feels good
d. That is the way responsible engineers behave
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7. The first and foremost obligation of registered professional engineers is to:
a. The public welfare
b. Their employer
c. The government
d. The engineering profession
8. Registered professional engineers should undertake services for clients only
when:
a. They really need the fees
b. Their own bid is the lowest
c. They are fully technically competent to carry out the services
d. Carrying out the services wouldn’t involve excessive time or effort
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Ethics in the Engineering Workplace
Pop Quiz Key
1. What does NSPE stand for? National Society of Professional Engineers
2. What does NIEE stand for? National Institute for Engineering Ethics
3. What is Ethics? Ethics is concerned with standards, rules or guidelines for
morally or socially approved conduct such as being honest or trustworthy or
acting in the best interest of a society.
4. A person’s behavior is always ethical when he or she:
a. Does what is best for oneself
b. Has good intentions no matter how things turn out
c. Does what is best for everyone (c. is the correct answer)
d. Does what is most profitable
5. Engineers should follow their professional ethics code because:
a. It helps them avoid legal problems, such as getting sued
b. It provides a clear definition of what the public has a right to expect
from responsible engineers (b. is the correct answer)
c. It raises the image of the profession and, hence, get engineers more pay
d. The public will trust engineers more once they know engineers have an
ethics code
6. Engineers should act ethically because:
a. If they do not, they risk getting demoted or fired
b. The boss wants them to
c. It feels good
d. That is the way responsible engineers behave
(d. is the correct answer)
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7. The first and foremost obligation of registered professional engineers is to:
a. The public welfare (a. is the correct answer)
b. Their employer
c. The government
d. The engineering profession
8. Registered professional engineers should undertake services for clients only
when:
a. They really need the fees
b. Their own bid is the lowest
c. They are fully technically competent to carry out the services
(c. is the correct answer)
d. Carrying out the services wouldn’t involve excessive time or effort
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Gilbane Gold Worksheet Assignment Rubric
Task Statement: The students will be able to demonstrate they can apply what they have learned about ethics in engineering on the Gilbane
Gold Worksheet Assignment.
Task Assignment: The students will be able to discuss with team members and complete Assignment A and B of the Gilbane Gold Worksheet
listing 3 major ethical issues from the video and 3 actions they would take as president of the company.
Criteria Concepts/Skills to be Assessed
Novice
1
Developing
2
Exemplary
3
Team discussion
Contributes to the discussion
25% of the time and listens to
team members
Contributes to the discussion
50% of the time and listens to
team members
Contributes to the discussion
100% of the time and listens to
team members
(Possible 30 points)
Gilbane Gold Worksheet
Assignment A
(1-10 points)
Lists 1 major ethical issue
recalled from movie
(10-20 points)
Lists 2 major ethical issues
recalled from movie
(20-30 points)
Lists 3 major ethical issues
recalled from movie
(Possible 30 points)
Gilbane Gold Worksheet
Assignment B
(1-10 points)
Lists 1 valid action to take as
president of the company
(10-20 points)
Lists 2 valid actions to take as
president of company
(20-30 points)
Lists 3 valid actions to take as
president of company
(Possible 30 points)
Spelling and Grammar
(1-10 points)
No more than 2 misspelled
words and 2 incorrect uses of
grammar
(10-20 points)
No more than 1 misspelled
word and 1 incorrect use of
grammar
(20-30 points)
No misspelled words and
correct use of grammar
(3-6 points)
(7-10 points)
(1-3 points)
(Possible 10 points)
A = 67-100 points; B = 33-66 points; C = 4-33 points
Points
Earned
Total Points:__________
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