The Evolution of Trust
By Susan Budde and Evan Green

Lesson Resources

Track A (Algebra I)

Day 1

Launch

Prisoners - Opening Activity as a game with real stakes in the classroom (modeled after Prisoner’s Dilemma)

Explore - Play a game of trust:

• Coin Game

• “Split or Steal”

• Prisoner’s Dilemma

Worksheet for students to discuss their thought processes and evaluate their strategies

Day 2

Launch

Real-world conflict - example that fits the Prisoner’s Dilemma model

Explore

Tournament Game - students will play all strategy “characters” against each other

Prisoner’s Dilemma Real-World Scenarios (list of examples) Students will identify their own meaningful real-world conflict that fits the P.D. model

CTDataHaven - local data for Connecticut

Our World in Data: Trust - national data

Track B (Algebra II)

Day 1

Launch

Launch Game Rules and Recording Sheet

Introduce/Explore

Developing group norms - activity adopted from The Center for Creative Leadership

Day 2

Launch

Scenario Matrix - economic, climate change, social interactions, work appraisals

Introduce/Explore

The Evolution of Trust - simulation

Tracking Data Worksheet - used when students are playing the simulation with intention

Sample Work Tracking Data Worksheet

Game Theory and the Evolution of Trust article - to be read with the class

Homework - Review or take questions on how to use Desmos resources:

• Interactive: Make a Table

• Video: Make a Table

• Video: Graph Settings

Optional: Desmos Challenge

Day 3

Launch

Trust - Our World in Data - website used to explore state visualizations

Introduce/Explore

Students input data from the first two days’ activities into Desmos (review interactive and videos) and then make and interpret graphs.