Curated OER
Swamps, Shrimp, and Tsunamis: A Simulation of Sustainable Development Issues in Coastal Ecuador
Students examine the economic benefits, environmental losses and dangers of the shrimp farming industry on the coast of Ecuador. They read a script, role-play people involved in the shrimp business, and write an essay of the pros and cons.
Curated OER
Environmental Justice in Chester, PA
Over several days, learners communicate and defend an argument regarding environmental justice issues in Chester, PA. After discussing the issue and viewing a video about the location of several toxic waste facilities in Chester, they...
NOAA
The Incredible Carbon Journey: Play the Carbon Journey Game
Class members explore the carbon cycle in the final installment of the 10-part Discover Your Changing World series. They play a simulation game where they walk through the steps carbon takes as it cycles through the different layers...
Curated OER
Mother Nature Pattern Maker
Students in a teacher education program enhance their awareness of patterns. They discover how to support their students in developing this skill in mathematical terms. They role play the role of a K-2 student and collect images from...
Curated OER
Mountain Lions in Arizona Lesson 5: Humans and Lions - Encounters in Nature
Fledgling felinologists are taught how to recognize when a mountain lion is preparing to attack. They identify proper actions to provide the greatest chance of survival if they are attacked. Learners play a matching card game in which...
Curated OER
Case Study - Tragedy of the Commons
Students role play being a fisherman and fulfill the goals they are given from a description sheet. Other students observe the fisherman and record their behavior and actions. The class then discusses how this activity was an example...
Curated OER
The Awful 8: A Play
Young scholars perform a play that presents the causes and effects on people and the environment of the eight major air pollutants.
Curated OER
Salmon Vs. Dams: the Dam Removal Debate on the Elwha River
Students role-play a meeting of the Elwha River council in which they present opposing views to council members on hydroelectric power and salmon fisheries resources. They brainstorm possible conflicts between various people in land-use...
Council for Economic Education
The Economics of Income: If You’re So Smart, Why Aren't You Rich?
If basketball players make more than teachers, why shouldn't learners all aspire to play in the NBA? Unraveling the cost and benefits of education and future economic success can be tricky. Economic data, real-life cases, and some...
Curated OER
Life on the Edge: Land Use, Food Supply, and Economics in a Small African Village
Students examine the roles that natural events (such as droughts), population growth and other human factors play on land use and food supply.
Curated OER
Human Impact on the Life Cycle of Corals
Students study the life cycle of a coral reef. They then participate in a simulated village meeting in which they roleplay various characters who must review proposed legislation dealing with reef management.
Curated OER
Born to be Wild
Students watch an episode depicting the human vs. polar bear conflict in Churchill, Canada. They conduct online research and analyze the information. They interpret the facts and use storytelling techniques and role playing to convey...
Curated OER
Shackleton's Antarctic Adventure
Students research the exploration of Antarctica by the explorer Sir Ernest Shackelton. In this Antarctic exploration lesson, students watch a movie about Sir Ernest Shackelton and his ship the Endurance. Students study a map of...
Curated OER
Bats: Need Nectar, Will Travel
Beginning wildlife biologists become adult bats, baby bats, snakes, owls, bobcats, or land-clearing developers in a grand role-playing activity. In a large open space, they play a game in which they move to designated areas based on what...
Curated OER
How Do We Balance Environmental Conservation with Human Needs?
Pupils role play a meeting between conservation biologists and local representatives who want to advance the livelihood of local population. In this history instructional activity, students research the necessities and conservation...
Curated OER
The Power of the Environment in Our Lives
Students participate in a series of activities designed to demonstrate the differences between symbiotic and parasitic relationships. They discuss the differences and catergorize man's relationship with nature.
Curated OER
Economic and Social Changes in the High Middle Ages
Students investigate the economic and social changes that occurred in the High Middle Ages. They listen to a lecture and take notes, and in small groups compose a medieval charter and role-play its presentation to the class.
Curated OER
What About Shady Acres?
Students participate in a simulation activity where they must decide whether or not to preserve an untouched forest. During the role play, students attend public hearings, discuss the pros and cons of nature development, create...
Curated OER
Changing Planet: Infectious Diseases Classroom Activity
Here is a different approach: emerging epidemiologists first go home to interview family on the topic of infectious disease. Then they come to class and view a video and PowerPoint that explore how climate change may increase the...
WK Kellogg Biological Station
Sounds of Selection
Do you want a creative and fun way to teach about natural selection? Hop to it by turning your middle school princes and princesses into frogs trying to catch as many bugs as possible in a Hungry Hungry Hippos style game. For high...
Curated OER
Environment: River of Life
Students assess the impact of human activity on the environment. After reading the book, "A River Ran Wild," they role-play and discuss how people changed the river. Students write stories about living along a river from the point of...
Curated OER
Life Is a Cycle
Students investigate about cycles through games, shared readings and a shared writing activity. They play a game of Ring Around the Rosie to be introduced to the concept of "cycle."
Curated OER
Habitat Hopscotch
Learners analyze different habitats. For this habitat lesson, students evaluate what animals need in their habitats. Learners participate in the game Habitat Hopscotch.
Curated OER
Where Do You Fit In?
Students study habitats and then draw a picture of their own habitat which includes the location of food, water, and shelter, and the concept of space. then they cut their habitat in half and discuss how this would affect their lives.