Maple Trees and Marmots is a role playing game for younger elementary students where students learn the effects of climate change on animals and plants. There are two activities in the resource: the first focuses on animals and is intended for K-2 students while the second focuses on plants and is intended for Grade 3 students. However, both activities are suitable with adjustments for these grade levels.
In the activity, the students assume the role of either an animal or a tree and live through a series of seasons. They collect tokens to simulate food during the spring and summer and then hibernate during the fall and winter. After a round, a change in climate/habitat is introduced in order to illustrate how changes in weather can affect the plants and animals.
This resource includes a good quantity of background information, assessment suggestions and extension activities.
Maple Trees and Marmots is most suitable for the early elementary Science classroom. It will help students to conceptualize the needs of plants and animals throughout the seasons. These activities would be best used after the students have been introduced to the concepts of hibernation, energy needs and growth.
There are two activities in the resource: the first focuses on animals and is intended for K-2 students while the second focuses on plants and is intended for Grade 3 students. However, both activities are suitable with adjustments for these grade levels.
The following tool will allow you to explore the relevant curriculum matches for this resource. To start, select a province listed below.