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Fishing for the Future

Secondary, Elementary, Middle

Description

Students experience the "Tragedy of the Commons" through this 'hands-on' illustration of the depletion of fishing resources. The actions of the students mimic the real life consequences of overfishing and the resulting impacts on the ecosystem.

The resource is prefaced with a discussion about the concept of sustainability - its definition and why it is an important goal for a society, along with the challenges of attaining it.

Students are given a certain number of candies representing a species of fish and they must "catch" at least 2 "fish" per round. They do this by first sucking up the candy through a straw. Fish are added to represent breeding seasons, depending on the number left after each round. The method of fishing then intensifies by allowing hands to hold the straws, the use of spoons - all indicative of improvements in fishing technology. Inevitably, the fish disappear unless a group catches on and decides on a sustainable approach amongst themselves.

General Assessment

Themes Addressed

Relevant Curriculum Units