Introduction:

This is a simulation I use whenever we cover topics associated with totalitarianism, especially Nazi Germany. For example, whenever Nazi Germany is discussed, we typically speak about the evil of Hitler, but rarely discuss how millions of people could go along with his ideas. It becomes even more troubling when we realize that not every Nazi soldier or German was as evil as Hitler. In fact, most Germans were “normal” people. It becomes even more troubling when we realize that, if we were in that situation, we might have done the same. However, many Germans disagreed with Hitler and rebelled in any way they could. For the many who remained silent, they were just following orders. This simulation is meant to get at the heart of the phenomenon of how good people can do bad things when they listen to authority and just follow orders.

Shamefully, I believe this simulation is also applicable to what is happening to the United States at the beginning of 2026. Federal ICE agents murdered two civilians, and it felt like the world was ready to explode. This is not how our government, or any functioning democracy, interacts with its citizens. As adults, we are horrified and shocked by what’s happening around us. Just imagine what the children are seeing and thinking. As educators, we don’t shield them from reality; we must help them make sense of it courageously and ethically.

My simulation is based on the famous Stanford Prison Experiment of 1971 and the Milgram experiment of 1963. The Stanford Prison Experiment had college students act as either prisoners or jail guards. Unfortunately, what started off as a lighthearted simulation quickly escalated into severe student-on-student mistreatment, driven by the authority of the roles they were playing. It became so bad that the experiment had to be ended prematurely. Still, it demonstrated how people could mistreat one another simply by suggesting a power hierarchy.

The Milgram experiment had individuals sit in front of a panel that (actually didn't) administer electric shocks. Actors sat on the other side of a wall and were "shocked" if they gave an incorrect answer to a question. These shocks escalated until they provided a “lethal” dose of electricity. Some of the participants refused to administer the shock. Many more people went along with the instructions given by the experiment observer to deliver lethal shocks. Compliance increased with the number of observers present. This classic psychological study demonstrated how normal individuals could theoretically kill someone because they were ordered to do so, in this case, for the sake of science.

This simulation is nowhere near as extreme as the previously mentioned experiments. Still, it demonstrates to students how following orders from a trusted authority figure can lead someone to do something they know is wrong. This simulation highlights to students that they need to listen to their conscience and trust “their gut,” especially when dealing with people who may not have their best interests in mind.

To be clear, this experiment does not have any mistreatment of students.

Preparation:

·    This simulation will need at least two adults.

·    Split the class into two equal groups, and each group will be given the same exact instructions.

·    Each adult should have something to "work" on while they secretly observe the group.

Prior Knowledge: This is a good simulation at the end of a book group or lesson on governments (totalitarianism).