Ethics Bowl

TRANSCRIPT
Ethics Bowl

NARRATOR:
What skills do we need for success in life? In North Carolina, students are finding out through the National High School Ethics Bowl, a competition that focuses on confidence, critical thinking, and teamwork. Ethics Bowl looks like a debate, but it's very different. Here students are not trying to win an argument. Instead, each team chooses what they believe about an issue and explains why. They are judged on how well they explore ideas and consider different opinions. This is Lizzie Lyman’s first year taking part. Her parents feel the Ethics Bowl is the kind of challenge that brings out the best in her.

SOUNDBITE - Kevin Lyman:
"What has always impressed me is her willingness to listen to other people and to change her opinion when she feels it's appropriate."

NARRATOR:
In Ethics Bowl, the goal isn’t to beat the other team. It’s learning how to listen, and discuss difficult topics with respect.

SOUNDBITE - Lizzie Lyman:
"The core principle of Ethics Bowl, of listening and building off of each other, is something that's so important and something that we seem to have kind of lost recently."

NARRATOR:
More than 4,000 students from across the country take part in Ethics Bowl events. Lizzie’s team managed to win their region, their state, and even the national quarterfinal. But in the semifinal, their journey came to an end.

SOUNDBITE - Lizzie Lyman:
"And we're all sad that it has to end. But I agree that it's not about beating people. And that's a conversation we've had while we practice nearly every time. It's never about winning.”

NARRATOR:
By taking part, the students have improved their ability to reflect, communicate, and collaborate. They may not have won the final, but they’ve gained skills to succeed in life.