POPCO K–12 visits elementary, middle, and high schools throughout Colorado. Many people do not encounter philosophy during their K–12 education or discover it until much later in life. POPCO aims to show that philosophy is accessible and valuable for individuals of all ages, educational paths, and backgrounds. Through philosophical inquiry, students develop critical thinking skills, practice open-mindedness, and build confidence in their own reasoning.
Below, you’ll see what lessons POPCO K–12 has been bringing into classrooms!
The Ethical Dilemmas lesson is designed for middle school students but adaptable for all ages. Students begin by learning what an ethical dilemma is, then engage in a whole-class discussion of classic philosophical dilemmas—including the trolley problem. From there, they move into small groups, where half the students craft responses to an ethical dilemma while the other half develop objections. The groups then switch roles.
The Question Maps and Socratic Method lesson has been taught to students of all ages, from elementary through high school. In this lesson, students explore the history of Socrates and the origins of the Socratic Method, engage in small-group activities, and come together for a whole-class discussion. In their groups, students create “Question Maps,” building webs of questions and possible answers that connect, diverge, and deepen their thinking about a central philosophical question.
The Ethics of Consumption lesson introduces middle and high school students to ethical theory through real-world consumption dilemmas. Students read and analyze a variety of ethical consumption dilemmas, analyze the cases individually, and then discuss their reasoning in small groups and later as a whole class. This lesson helps students see how philosophers systematically approach ethical questions while reflecting on their own values and decisions.
The Introduction to Logic lesson introduces high school students to the fundamentals of logical reasoning. Students learn how philosophers use logic to evaluate claims, construct sound arguments, and identify flaws in reasoning. Through examples and guided exercises, they practice distinguishing premises from conclusions, spotting common logical errors, and seeing how clear, structured thinking can support or challenge ideas. This lesson helps students understand how logic provides a rigorous foundation for philosophical inquiry and everyday decision-making.
Interested in having POPCO in your classroom? Please email us at popco@colorado.edu!
Note that these are just a few of the lessons we’ve brought into classrooms so far! If you have new ideas or a specific topic you’d like our graduate students to explore with your class, we’d love to hear from you. If you’re unsure what kind of lesson would work best, we can help brainstorm and tailor a session to fit your classroom.