Temptation is a story synonymous with the human experience. Throughout history money has influenced behavior, values, and social structure. The temptation to achieve a gain over others has been found through the actions of greed. The dollar can lead to unethical behavior that corrupts systems, exploits others, and leads to inequalities. The pursuit of wealth can lead to mistrust in our community.

Since the beginning of the school year I have been running an experiment on temptation in my classroom. I found a few dollars and placed it under two magnets on my white board. Students began to take notice of the money on the board and began asking questions. They wanted to know why it was there, whether they could take it without punishment, and who put it there.  I explained the money was on the board and there were no rules other than it was a thought experiment.

Throughout the months I added to the money and upgraded the value of the bills to a ten and some ones. Teachers and staff would walk in and see the money on the board. They also had questions. Many were wondering how students had resisted the temptation of the cash for months.  I explained to the staff that I believed it showed the character and care students had for both my room and each other. As time went on students became protective of the money on the board.

Last week I was out for two days for an illness. I returned to the classroom this week and discovered the money was missing. Five and a half months.

Students were devastated to learn someone had broken the trust of the group.

The experiment ended, but not without a great lesson. The simple action of one student impacted over 100 students, some of which did not know each other. Like a stone dropped into a lake, no one could escape the ripple cast.

Temptation is a billion dollar industry. None of us escape.

It’s my hope the student will find the $10 is fruitful and pays it forward.