🎮 The Illusion of Free

Before Lab 1, say: “In games, prices are shown in gems or coins, not dollars. In Lab 1, you will find the real price of a game item, and how long a grown-up has to work to pay for it.”

While they work: Students should do what the owl says, then tap Next. If Next is tapped too early, the owl shakes and the part to tap lights up. If someone is stuck, ask: “What is the owl asking you to tap?”

After Lab 1, ask: “Did 2,400 gems sound like a lot or a little? Does 1 hour and 20 minutes of work sound different?”

Before Lab 2, say: “The Banana Store only sells points in bundles. Buy the item you want, then look at what is left over.”

After Lab 2, ask: “What could you do with your leftover points? What would you have to do to use them up? Who does that help, you or the game company?”

Tip: Turn on “Read every step to me” for students who need the directions read out loud. Each owl box also has its own Read aloud button.

Before, say: “You are the boss of a game company. You made a free game called Banana Blast. Your boss wants more money and says you have to add tricks. Let's see what happens to the players.”

Step 3, Launch day, ask: “Look at how much money your company made. Now read what the players said. Was it worth it?”

Step 4 teaches the word ethical. We save the word until here on purpose, so students learn it after they have felt the choice. Say: “Ethical (ETH-ih-kul) means doing what is fair and honest, even when a trick would make more money.” Have the class say the word together.

After, ask: “Who took out every trick? Who kept some? Why?” Then: “Real game companies could take these tricks out. Why do you think many of them don't?”

Tip: Turn on “Read every step to me” for students who need the directions read out loud.