Definition:

 Integrity is the practice of living consistently by a code of strong moral principles which includes being honest, respectful and responsible all the time, whether you’re seen or unseen.

In short:

Do the right thing, even when no one's looking.  

Summary:
Gino Bartali was a talented professional cyclist from Florence, Italy. In 1938 he won the Tour de France, a prestigious international bicycle race. Soon after that, all of Europe was at war. Italy was invaded by Nazi Germany, and Jewish friends of Gino’s were in danger. Gino joined a secret network to smuggle Jewish children away from Italy into safety, using his bicycle to deliver important information to fellow members of the network. Due to his bravery and firm beliefs in the sanctity of life, Bartali took dangerous risks and saved around 800 Jewish lives. 

Lesson Objectives:

1.  Students are moved to open their hearts and learn more about defending the freedom of all people, especially when that freedom is in danger of being taken away. 
2. This story can be a link to history lessons about Hitler’s Nazi Germany and the practices of anti semitism at that time. 

Guiding Questions:

1. Why did Gino Bartali involve himself in protecting Jewish families? 
2.  The subtitle, “Italy’s Secret Hero” refers to …..(fill in the blank)
3. What was the giant lie proclaimed by the Nazi invaders of Italy?
4. What did the secret network of Italians do to help Jewish families and how did Bartali use his cycling skills to assist their efforts?  
5.   Gino was risking his life when he helped Jewish families. Even though he was afraid, he did what he believed was right. Have you ever been afraid to do the right thing? If so, what happened? 
6. “Good is something you do, not something you talk about.” This is a quote from Bartali. What does it mean? 
7. “Some medals are pinned to your soul, not your jacket.” What do you think that means? 
8. Have you heard, read in a book or online, or seen something that you believe is wrong, unfair, unjust? What was it and how did it make you feel? 
9. Bartali was just one person, but he was able to save 800 lives. Share about someone else you’ve read about or a movie you’ve seen in which one person has been a catalyst for change.   
10. Share about a time when you were able to do something to help someone else - how did that make you feel?