NSWTR 2024 HR - Flipbook - Page 13
SPECIES GAME: CONSERVATION CRISIS!
TEACHER PREPARATION
1. Make a photocopy of the Ecosystem Sheet for each team of students
participating in the game. See p19. This can be kept in the classroom for the
duration of Science Week while the game is being played.
2. Make a photocopy of the Game Card Record Sheet for each team of students.
This is where the data from the game is recorded to analyse later. See p20.
3. Make multiple photocopies of the di昀昀erent species icons to keep in the
classroom. See p21.
4. Provide scissors to cut out the species icons and Blu Tack (or equivalent)
to allow students to remove or add species to the ecosystem. Note: Do not
glue the icons to the Ecosystem Sheet, as they will be di昀케cult to remove
from a card if required later.
5. Print 1 copy of all the Positive and Negative chance cards. If possible, print
on thick paper for durability. See pp15-18.
6. Cut out the Positive and Negative chance cards along the lines. Stack the
Positive cards in one pile and the Negative cards in another pile, face down
on the teacher’s desk.
7. Provide coins, double-sided counters (marked + - on back) or a spinning
wheel with a binary option and randomly select either a Positive or Negative
chance card for each round of the game.
8. Make copies of the instructions available to the students, p14.
9. Make copies of game analysis questions for the relevant stage available
to the students. Stage 1 p27, Stage 2 p31, Stage 3 p38, Stage 4 p46,
and Stage 5 p53.
10. Check that students understand the words ecosystem, diversity and species.
EXTENSIONS/ACCESSIBILITY
For younger students or students with physical disabilities: tape the organisms
to foam blocks or LEGO and use counters to track the number of organisms
added or removed from the system. You could also make the animals in
playdough or craft materials with di昀昀erent textures.
For vision impaired students: use Braille versions of cards and raised or
tactile versions of markers. Use a 3D printer to print tokens or create solid
versions of the organisms and create or use tactile counters for counting.
SPECIES SURVIVAL – MORE THAN JUST SUSTAINABILITY
13
