Fish or Famine?
| Students profile/age of the student: | 7-10 years old |
| Climate change topic | Economy |
| Connected subject in the curriculum | Biology, Science, |
| Skills and competencies to be developed | Content knowledge, Analytical skills, Problem-solving |
| Terminology, keywords | Meal, fish, food |
| Teaching techniques and tools: | storytelling, discussion |
| Materials needed: | Goldfish crackers (or any item that easily fits in a bowl) |
| Materials offered | Additional links: https://www.teacher.org/lesson-plan/fish-or-famine/ |
| The time needed for the activity | 10 – 15 Minutes |
Description
The aim, Students will understand food scarcity and unequal distribution through a simple, yet concrete demonstration.
Ask students to think about a meal they have had at home. Ask them to think of a time when they did not have enough if this has ever been a problem. Ask them to think about how it would feel if there was never enough food.
What to do:
– Have two bowls of crackers (or whatever food is chosen) ready.
– Begin by handing the first bowl to the first student and explain that they may take as many crackers as they want and then pass it to the next person (but do not yet eat the crackers).
– Have them continue to pass the bowl, even if the crackers run out.
– Now have students pass a second bowl, but each can only take a certain number of crackers.
– Keep each pile separate on their desks.
– Encourage a discussion on how each group felt. Was it better when everyone shared or when people took what they wanted? How can this be applied to behaviors outside the classroom or should it? Can this concept be applied to anything (other resources) than food?