Population Game


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In this outdoor game, learners simulate a herd of deer trying to survive in an area called the "home range." Learners explore the concept of "carrying capacity"—what size population of an organism can be supported by the food supply in the organism's home range. The game simulates five years in the life of a deer herd, with changing factors such as the addition of new young deer, the reduction of food sources, and dispersal of the herd to new feeding areas. Learners consider similarities and differences between deer and human populations over time, and the impact of humans feeding wild herds. A white board or large sheet of paper can serve as the data board.

Quick Guide


Preparation Time:
10 to 30 minutes

Learning Time:
45 to 60 minutes

Estimated Materials Cost:
$5 - $10 per group of students

Age Range:
Ages 8 - 14

Resource Types:
Activity, Game, Simulation

Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)


  • 10 home-range poker chips (one color) per learner
  • 6 new-range poker chips (another color) per learner
  • 4 plastic sandwich bags per learner
  • flagging or cord for marking home-range boundaries
  • 1 kitchen timer or watch with second hand
  • 1 data board and marking pen

Subjects


  • Life Sciences
    • Diversity of Life
      • Animals
    • Ecology
      • Populations
  • The Nature of Science
    • The Scientific Process
      • About Inquiry
      • Asking Questions
      • Conducting Investigations
      • Gathering Data
      • Formulating Explanations
      • Communicating Results

Informal Categories


  • Animals
  • Games
  • Nature and Environment
  • Outdoor Activity
  • Physical Activity

Audience


To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • see color
  • be mobile
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves teamwork and communication skills
  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other


This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

Rights:

  • All rights reserved, The Regents of the University of California, 1980