High School Ethics Bowls in Alberta

Collaborative, case-based discussions on real ethical issues for high-school students across the province.

What is a High School Ethics Bowl?

A high-school ethics bowl is a collaborative event where teams of students discuss prepared cases featuring complex ethical issues. Unlike a traditional debate, the focus is on reasoned dialogue and active listening rather than simply scoring points against an opponent. Participants are encouraged to think deeply about various perspectives and build consensus through civility. Alberta’s bowls are proud members of the national program coordinated by Ethics Bowl Canada, ensuring students receive a high-quality educational experience consistent with standards across the country.

How to Get Involved

For Teachers

Starting an ethics bowl team is a rewarding way to engage students in collaborative dialogue. To get started, form a team of 3–7 students and register through Ethics Bowl Canada. You can find complete case sets and the official rulebook on their website to guide your team's preparation and practice sessions.

For Students

Interested in joining? Talk to your social studies teacher, philosophy instructor, or a guidance counselor at your school to find out if there is an existing team or to express your interest in starting one. Ethics bowl is open to students of all backgrounds who enjoy exploring deep ethical questions in a collaborative environment.

For up-to-date details on Alberta regional bowls, registration deadlines, and case sets, visit Ethics Bowl Canada’s Alberta page.

Learn more and register

How Alberta Ethics Bowls are Organized

Alberta features multiple regional high-school ethics bowls that serve as qualifying events for the provincial championship. The winning provincial team then advances to represent Alberta at the National High School Ethics Bowl, a program coordinated across the country by Ethics Bowl Canada.

What happens at an ethics bowl?

During a bowl, teams of 3–7 students analyze prepared ethical cases. On the day of the event, they respond to specific questions and interact thoughtfully with another team's comments. Instead of an adversarial debate, judges evaluate the session based on clarity, depth, responsiveness, and civility. The overarching objective is to engage in collaborative ethical inquiry through reasoned dialogue and mutual respect.

Why participate?

Develop essential skills in ethical reasoning, public speaking, and active listening.
Engage with pressing current issues across technology, environment, health, and social justice.
Connect directly with university students and faculty members in the Alberta network.
Build community between schools, universities, and regional organizations.