**Lesson Plan: Ethics in Sourcing Chemicals**
**Grade Level:** Junior Secondary 1
**Subject:** Business Studies
**Duration:** 60 minutes
**Objective:**
By the end of this lesson, students will be able to understand the importance of ethics in sourcing chemicals and how it affects businesses, the environment, and society.
**Materials Needed:**
1. Whiteboard and markers
2. Projector and computer for presentation
3. Handouts on ethical sourcing
4. Case studies of companies involved in ethical or unethical chemical sourcing
**Lesson Outline:**
### Introduction (10 minutes)
1. **Greeting and Attendance:** Briefly take attendance and greet the students.
2. **Engage:** Ask students to think of products they use daily that might contain chemicals (e.g., cleaning products, cosmetics). Write a list on the board.
3. **Discussion:** Open a quick dialogue about where these chemicals might come from and what considerations companies should have when sourcing them.
### Direct Instruction (15 minutes)
1. **Definition and Explanation:** Introduce the concept of ethics in sourcing chemicals.
- **Ethics:** Moral principles that govern a person's or group's behavior.
- **Sourcing:** The process of finding and acquiring raw materials or products.
- **Importance:** Discuss why it is important for businesses to source chemicals ethically (e.g., environmental protection, health and safety, corporate reputation, legal compliance).
2. **Factors to Consider:**
- **Environmental Impact:** Avoiding pollution and ensuring sustainable practices.
- **Health and Safety:** Ensuring that the chemicals are safe for consumers and workers.
- **Fair Trade Practices:** Ensuring fair labor practices and avoiding exploitation.
- **Legal Requirements:** Complying with laws and regulations.
### Activity - Case Study Examination (20 minutes)
1. **Group Work:** Divide the class into small groups. Give each group a case study of a company that either follows ethical practices or one that has been criticized for unethical practices in sourcing chemicals.
2. **Analysis:** Each group reads their case study and answers the following questions:
- What ethical considerations are highlighted in the case study?
- How did the company's practices impact its reputation, legal standing, and financial success?
- What could the company have done differently if their practices were unethical?
3. **Presentation:** Have each group present a summary of their case study and discussion to the class.
### Application (10 minutes)
1. **Class Discussion:** Lead a discussion on how students think businesses can improve their sourcing practices. Encourage them to think creatively about solutions and innovations.
2. **Real-World Connection:** Discuss current news articles or examples of companies known for their ethical or unethical practices. What can we learn from them?
### Conclusion (5 minutes)
1. **Recap:** Summarize the key points discussed during the lesson.
2. **Questions:** Open the floor for any questions or additional comments from the students.
3. **Assignment:** Give students a task to research one company known for its ethical sourcing practices and write a brief report on what they do and why it is significant.
**Assessment:**
- **Participation in Group Work and Presentations:** Observe and assess the students' involvement and understanding during the group activities and their presentations.
- **Homework Assignment:** Evaluate the short reports based on thoroughness, understanding of ethical practices, and clarity of writing.
**Reflection:**
After the lesson, reflect on what methods were most effective in engaging the students and how well the objectives were met. Adjust future lessons based on student feedback and observed challenges.