A Balancing Act

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In this plant science activity, learners role play as vegetables and weeds competing for nutrients. The object of the game is for the weeds and vegetables to gather as many colored squares as they can. Each paper square represents a different type of nutrient (i.e. green squares represent nitrogen). If a vegetable or a weed does not have at least two of each color square, they “die” from not getting enough nutrients and must step out of the garden. Use this activity to simulate survival and competition in nature and plant-life.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
45 to 60 minutes
Learning Time:
10 to 30 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
$1 - $5 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 8 - 14
Resource Types:
Activity, Game, Lesson/Lesson Plan, Simulation
Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)

  • 36 - 2" x 2" squares of green poster board (N on one side and Nitrogen on other)
  • 36 - 2" x 2" squares of yellow poster board (K on one side and Potas- sium on other)
  • 36 - 2" x 2" squares of blue poster board (P on one side and Phosphorus on other)

Keywords

Subjects

  • Life Sciences
    • Diversity of Life
      • Plants
    • Ecology
      • Ecosystems
      • Populations

Informal Categories

  • Games
  • Gardening
  • Nature and Environment

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • see color
  • read
  • be mobile
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

Includes alignment to state and/or national standards:

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

Rights:

  • All rights reserved, Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System, 2001