FYS Day 1 Activity: Survival 101 … Who Makes the Cut?

FYS Activity Author: Elmer Price Rationale: This activity serves as an icebreaker to the course and provides an introduction to integrative (critical) thinking. Additionally, because this topic may be somewhat controversial, ideally first year students will discuss it outside of class, which will help promote the perception that FYS sections contain some standardization. I. This lesson incorporates the following highlighted Domains of Critical Thinking:

1. Scientific thinking. 2. Social, ethical and historical thinking. 3. Aesthetic and artistic thinking. 4. Informational and technical literacy. 5. Oral, written and visual communication. 6. Multicultural and international thinking. 7. Mathematical and abstract thinking.

II. This lesson incorporates the following highlighted Student Learning Outcomes: 1. Reasoning 2. Cultural Judgment 3. Representations 4. Information Literacy 5. Reflection 6. Integrative Thinking (aka Critical Thinking Domains)

II. (Optional) If you wish to use this assignment as a GEAR artifact - This lesson incorporates the following highlighted GEAR TAGS (aka Marshall University Core Curriculum Learning Outcomes) *This is not a recommended GEAR upload.

Survival 101 … Who Makes the Cut?

Scenario:

The Avian Flu has just wiped out the entire planet’s population, except for 13 people who find themselves to be the only people left on the earth. They manage to all make it to a safe bunker. In order to outlive the virus, they need to survive 2 years. Only 4 can be accommodated in the bunker. Eight will have to be expelled because there are not enough resources for all of them to survive.

If all stay, resources will sustain them for a maximum period of six months.

In the bunker, there are the following facilities:

sewage system water seeds some clothes a few books some medical facilities but no operating material a greenhouse

Explain who you think should live, and present your case to the rest of the group. Argue for their life unless you want to sacrifice them for the others. Listen to the arguments from the rest of your group as well, and challenge them to define their positions.

a. scientist b. priest c. married couple who are hippies and drug addicts d. a single pregnant woman with a 5 year old girl e. a army officer who has mental instability of some sort but is useful nonetheless f. an elderly woman g. a disabled person h. lawyer i. lazy welfare dependent j. doctor k. university professor

It is possible to make connections and describe dependencies between select individual domains. There may not be clear links between all domains, but with some deep and creative (aka “critical!”) thinking, one can draw several connections.

WORKSHEET: Who Will Survive

Group Number: Date: Name: Name: Name: Name: Name:

Signature: Signature: Signature: Signature: Signature:

Which four individuals should stay and survive, AND WHY: Person: Reason for staying: Person: Reason for staying: Person: Reason for staying: Person: Reason for staying:

Why were the others left to die? Person: Reason for sacrificing: Person: Reason for sacrificing: Person: Reason for sacrificing: Person: Reason for sacrificing: Person: Reason for sacrificing:

Person: Reason for sacrificing: Person: Reason for sacrificing: Person: Reason for sacrificing: Person: Reason for sacrificing