Unit 2 Culminating Activity and Rubric:
Bulletin Board: Applying Philosophy to Contemporary Ethical Issues
Description of the Task
In this unit, we have explored the terms good and evil and have been challenged with various ethical dilemmas. You have
analyzed various methods of determining right from wrong, including utilitarianism, the categorical imperative, religion, and
the legal system. Ethical relativism and ethical skepticism have also been explored.
Your culminating activity for this unit involves the application of the skills and knowledge gained in this unit to analyze one
contemporary ethical dilemma, such as animal testing or genetic engineering. Various philosophical theories must be utilized
in your analysis. In groups of three, you will:

select a contemporary ethical dilemma

submit a typed group proposal to the teacher

conference with the teacher

research the issue using a variety of resources, including the Internet, magazine articles, and relevant books

apply the terms and theories used throughout this unit

submit an individual proposal to the teacher of what your job is in this group activity

design an outline for your bulletin-board display (approximately 3 by 5 feet) with text and visuals

conference with the teacher

create your bulletin-board display, making sure to use the suggestion from the conference with your teacher

present your bulletin board in a Ten-minute presentation
Deadlines will be established for each step in the process.
Although you are working in groups of three, each member of the group is responsible for creating and presenting one panel
of the bulletin board. You must work closely with your group members to ensure that your information, analysis, and design
are original. Ensure that your panel adds to the overall effectiveness of the bulletin board. Embedded references must be used
and a works-cited list must accompany your panel.
You will be given one library period to research your issue. Keep all of your research materials and notes in a folder. You
should also use all of your class notes to assist you in your research.
The bulletin board should be visually appealing. Use a catchy title and interesting images to draw people to your display. Try
to create an interactive component to add interest. Use the entire space of the board. The information and analysis should be
informative and engaging.



Your presentation must address at least three of the theories or philosophers discussed in class.
Explain the ethical dilemma to the class, and why this is an ethical dilemma.
Give possible outcomes that exist for this ethical dilemma. (Or if this dilemma has gone through the court of law,
give the court’s decision on the dilemma.
Rubric
Knowledge/Understanding
Level 4
The bulletin
 clearly and accurately
board
using ethical terms and
demonstrates an
facts
understanding of
concepts,
 clearly explaining the
principles, and
ethical issue with great
theories by:
detail
 making connections
between the issue and
the ethical theories
Level 3
 clearly, with very few
errors, using ethical
terms and facts
Level 2
 using some ethical
terms and facts with
limited accuracy
 clearly explaining the
ethical issue with
considerable detail
 making considerable
connections between
the issue and the
ethical theories
 explaining the ethical
issue with some detail
Level 3
 providing
considerable analysis
of the ethical issue
 presenting ideas in a
organized and
insightful manner
 utilizing at least four
sources and preparing
a works-cited page
with few errors
Level 2
 providing some
analysis of the ethical
issue
 presenting ideas in a
clear manner with
limited insight
 utilizing at least three
sources and preparing
a works-cited page
with some errors
Level 1
 providing limited
analysis of the ethical
issue
 presenting ideas with
limited clarity and
insight\
 utilizing at least two
sources and preparing
a works-cited page
with several errors
Level 3
 making written
connections between
the ethical theories
and the issue
 selecting and creating
interactive visuals
that accurately reflect
the issue
Level 2
 making limited
written connections
between the ethical
theories and the issue
 selecting visuals that
reflect the issue
Level 1
 making few written
connections between
the ethical theories
and the issue
 selecting visuals that
have a limited
connection to the
issue
Level 3
 using words and
images to capture
the viewer’s
attention and convey
the intended
message
 making effective use
of space, images,
and words to explain
and analyze the
ethical dilemma
 using considerable
eye contact and
speaking clearly
during the
presentation
Level 2
 occasionally using
words and images to
capture the viewer’s
attention and convey
the intended
message
 making adequate use
of space, images,
and words to explain
and analyze the
ethical dilemma
 using some eye
contact, clarity, and
confidence during
the presentation
Level 1
 seldom using words
and images to
capture the viewer’s
attention and convey
the intended
message
 making limited use
of space, images,
and words to explain
and analyze the
ethical dilemma
 using limited eye
contact, clarity,
voice projection,
and confidence
during the
presentation
 making at least two
connections between
the issue and the
ethical theories
Level 1
 using a limited
number of ethical
terms and facts with
several errors
 explaining the ethical
issue with limited
detail
 making limited
connections between
the issue and the
ethical theories
Thinking/Inquiry
The bulletin
board
demonstrates the
use of criticaland creativethinking skills,
research, and
inquiry skills
by:
Level 4
 providing a detailed
analysis of the ethical
issue
 presenting ideas in a
highly organized and
insightful manner
 utilizing at least four
relevant sources and
preparing an accurate
works- cited page
Application
Level 4
The bulletin
 making clear written
board
connections between
demonstrates an
ethical theories and the
ability to
issue
transfer
 selecting and creating
concepts and
engaging and interactive
skills to make
visuals that accurately
connections by:
reflect the issue
Communication
Level 4
The bulletin
 using engaging words
board and the
and images to capture
oral
the viewer’s attention
presentation
and convey the intended
demonstrate an
message
ability to
communicate
information
 making highly effective
and ideas with
use of space, images,
a sense of
and words to explain and
purpose and
analyze the ethical
audience by:
dilemma
 maintaining eye contact
and speaking clearly,
using a confident voice
during the presentation