*with acknowledgements to Dr Seuss. This is Roger Waddell’s modification of the Barry Law/Bert McConnell Possum Picnic experiential game and, like the latter, is based on ‘add-on tag’. Introduction: This activity is designed to introduce or recap the impact of introduced species – in this case Man to the marine ecosystem, but can be used to elucidate ecological concepts including: the difference between biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) factors. the influence of biotic and abiotic factors on a community. the interconnectedness of living things within a community, particularly with respect to feeding relationships, energy flows and nutrient cycles. Aim: To reach a level of sustainable fisheries. Resources: gym/tennis court/playing field. 4+ area markers (cones) or a long rope. 10+ ice-cream container lids. 2+ nerf/sponge balls. picture of a trawler and an albatross. hula hoops or loops of rope (for simulated marine reserves). arm bands. pegs. Description: EXPERIENTIAL LEVEL 4 - 8 WHAT TO DO: Define the playing area – approximately half a netball court for 20 pupils. Non-players (illness, disability) can be easily accommodated as judges and marshals. Everyone is a fish but these fish can walk (and ONLY walk!). If a fish leaves the playing area then they become trawlers. Pick two volunteers – they are the trawlers - they wait outside the playing area (“in port”) The trawler chases the fish and tries to “tag” them. Tagged fish then become a trawler. Trawlers must hold hands/link arms and together pursue the other fish. START THE GAME: Usually the game will only last 2-3 minutes till there are no more fish left. Stop the game and regale the participants (with a suitably horrified tone): “Look what you have done?!! You have just made all fish life extinct!!! How are you going to feed your families or provide for your town/city? We have no biodiversity now! The oceans are now deserts!! This is not sustainable! How can we change the rules of this game so that we are more sustainable?” Participants come up with suggestions such as:
*with acknowledgements to Dr Seuss. This is Roger Waddell’s modification of the Barry Law/Bert McConnell Possum Picnic experiential game and, like the latter, is based on ‘add-on tag’. Introduction: This activity is designed to introduce or recap the impact of introduced species – in this case Man to the marine ecosystem, but can be used to elucidate ecological concepts including: the difference between biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) factors. the influence of biotic and abiotic factors on a community. the interconnectedness of living things within a community, particularly with respect to feeding relationships, energy flows and nutrient cycles. Aim: To reach a level of sustainable fisheries. Resources: gym/tennis court/playing field. 4+ area markers (cones) or a long rope. 10+ ice-cream container lids. 2+ nerf/sponge balls. picture of a trawler and an albatross. hula hoops or loops of rope (for simulated marine reserves). arm bands. pegs. Description: EXPERIENTIAL LEVEL 4 - 8 WHAT TO DO: Define the playing area – approximately half a netball court for 20 pupils. Non-players (illness, disability) can be easily accommodated as judges and marshals. Everyone is a fish but these fish can walk (and ONLY walk!). If a fish leaves the playing area then they become trawlers. Pick two volunteers – they are the trawlers - they wait outside the playing area (“in port”) The trawler chases the fish and tries to “tag” them. Tagged fish then become a trawler. Trawlers must hold hands/link arms and together pursue the other fish. START THE GAME: Usually the game will only last 2-3 minutes till there are no more fish left. Stop the game and regale the participants (with a suitably horrified tone): “Look what you have done?!! You have just made all fish life extinct!!! How are you going to feed your families or provide for your town/city? We have no biodiversity now! The oceans are now deserts!! This is not sustainable! How can we change the rules of this game so that we are more sustainable?” Participants come up with suggestions such as:
Activity%20-%20One%20Fish%20Two%20Fish%20Few%20Fish%20Dead%20Fish.docx