Skip to main content

What is Fair?

What does it mean when something is fair? What is the difference between equal and equitable? Let's explore this together!

Back to Activity Finder

Plan

  • When have things been unfair in your life? 
  • What do you think fairness means? 
  • Do you know the difference between equity and equality?  
  • In the real world, is there anything that is unfair? 

Do

  • The person reading the activity will read aloud different scenarios.  
  • As a group, you will all talk about how the story made you feel, and try and find out why that story might have been unfair, or what parts were fair.  
  • After this, you will read definition of two words (the meaning of the word). One of these words will be 'Equity' and one of these words is 'Equality'. Talk about which one you think is better, and why? 

Review

  • Were you surprised by some of the situations that were considered fair or unfair? 
  • Can fair mean different things to different people? 
  • What are some ways to make sure things are fair in Scouting, in school, and in other places we go to? 
  • How can you make sure you are helping make things fair? 
  • Remember to submit your activities on our Scouts for Sustainability Take Action Map

Materials

  • Example scenarios about unfair situations
    • Katie always gets to be "it" first when you play a game.
    • Your older sister gets to stay up later than you.
    • Your younger brother got an iPad for his birthday but you didn't.
    • Your friend brings a new toy to Cubs but won't let you play with it.
    • The same Lodge or Lair always gets to decide the night's game.
    • You ask your friend to stand beside you in the circle at Beavers.
    • Your friend lets you cut in front of them at the water fountain.
    • Kenneth asks if he can teach your Patrol a new knot.
    • Or any other scenarios you can imagine!

Keep it Simple

  • Focus more on Scouting related examples to keep it simple. This will help identify the ideas more clearly. 

Take it Further

  • Expand the activity by bringing in real life examples from around the world, where youth will get to hear about what actually was decided, and it can be discussed whether that was fair or unfair. As well, talking more in depth about equity and equality can expand the activity.