Some of you might recall that summer before last I accidentally acquired a pet spider in my bathtub in our extra bathroom. It was a harmless wood spider which I usually catch and put outside, but I was in a hurry and left it to figure its own way out. A couple of days later he was still there. I had been swatting flies so I tossed one into the tub. The spider went for it! I didn’t know spiders would eat insects that were already dead. I found it fascinating and figured he must be really hungry. Fast forward… I ended up feeding this spider for another six weeks, until one day he was just gone. Now, I am NOT a spider lover. But observing this little guy grow and change under my care made me appreciate his life. Fast forward again and I found a different spider in my laundry room sink. This was a long-legged, delicate framed creepy looking thing that might be harmful. I caught it in pill bottle. But if it was harmful, I didn’t want to let it go… I had to kill it. I had no trouble killing the flies to feed a spider. Why am I having trouble killing a spider?
I spent the next few months pondering my privilege because I am human. I get to decide the life and death of another organism because I am human. Is this my right? What responsibilities does that come with? … wait a minute this is all because of a spider? It’s a spider!!
Take a look at the article below. For a faster read, or to help you through the trickier parts of the science, I have premarked a few places for you. Pay attention to the last line.
Grab a friend and share your opinions- “If we find out insects do feel pain, can we really go on treating them [and arachnids] as we do?” Listening technique: Before you speak, you must paraphrase what your partner said first. Then you may add your own comments.
Great. Did your discussion surprise you? Did anything noteworthy come of it?
Fill out this 3-2-1 sheet [Unit 5 might be a good time to bring up the topic of the ethics of being human with this low stake look at insects]
Let’s up the stakes in Unit 8 with the article “When Humans Became Inhumane” about the Atlantic Slave Trade
[Premarked a few places again for some extra support if you liked that idea]
- But first what does “inhumane” mean?
- Here’s one definition of humane: having or showing compassion or benevolence
- So, inhumane means not doing that, right?
The article shows documentation that more than 10 million Africans were forced into slavery in the New World, and makes it sound like the decision was easy.
- Grab a partner and discuss, “How could humans be so INhumane?” OR “Do humans owe each other humanity?”
- …. Take your partner and find another pair to share your illuminations with. Remember to practice your good listening techniques we have used before.
- In your group of four, can you make a a T-chart with the rights of humans on one side, and responsibilities of humans on the other? Extension… Do rights ever outweigh responsibilities? [Another 3-2-1 sheet would be a good way to wind up with lesson.]
- When can the ethics of being human come up again? With the Anthropocene? In a discussion of current events? A debate on capital punishment? As a part of Unit 10 and our future?
- What parts of this lesson do you think could work for your students?
- What would you change or adapt in a different way?
Share your thoughts and questions for Donnetta in the comments below.
