Save an animal board game - Impact of Human Activity or Natural Disasters

This lesson includes reading a picture book, group brainstorming, and game play. The board game demonstrates the effects of natural disaster, human activity, and positive weather conditions on the survival of animals. Materials for this lesson include the picture book Brother Eagle, Sister Sky by Susan Jeffers and and a game board set for each small group. The game board and cards require some preparation time. Consider using parent volunteers to make these materials.

Weblink address (URL): 
Save an animal board game - Impact of Human Activity or Natural Disasters

Standards & Objectives

Learning objectives: 

Learning Goals:

  • Students will list possible ways that human actions could have a positive impact on animal survival.
  • Students will list possible ways that weather or other natural disasters might impact animal survival.

Key concepts:

  • Humans can make a positive or negative impact on animal survival.
  • Weather or natural disasters can have a huge impact on animal survival.

Lesson Variations

Blooms taxonomy level: 
Understanding

Helpful Hints

Materials:

  • Picture book "Brother Eagle, Sister Sky" by Susan Jeffers

Materials for each small group:

  • Paper and pencil for small group brainstorming
  • 4 sets of three animal markers - use small discs labeled with the animals' names
  • One die
  • Prepare playing cards: 21 red cards, 19 blue cards, and 30 green cards
  • Enlarged and colored game board shown below (see attachment)
  • 21 red cards: these represent major events that can help (advance), endanger (move back), protect (stay in the same place), miss a turn, and make an animal extinct (remove from board).

References

Contributors: 
Lisa Stalans
Originator: 
Ayers Institute for Learning & Innovation