The Lake Superior Game		free sample lesson
Grade level: 5-12	Date: 2003	Program cost: $2.50
Subjects: environmental science, civics, history

Publisher: Minnesota Sea Grant
Correlated to education standards? No
Ordering Information
Table of Contents


This is a role-play activity where learners assume the roles of various Lake Superior stakeholders and make decisions to either pollute or protect the lake, thus experiencing the challenges of preserving and enhancing the Lake Superior ecosystem.


This 18-page booklet provides the framework for a role-play activity related to Lake Superior. Learners assume the roles of various Lake Superior stakeholders and make decisions to either pollute or protect the lake. Adding water to, or taking water from, a bucket of water representing Lake Superior, simulates these actions. The game requires players to make choices or perform assigned actions appropriate to their roles, thus experiencing the challenges of preserving and enhancing the Lake Superior ecosystem. The game is designed to help learners understand the complexity of economic decisions facing potential polluters of Lake Superior, how they can change their own actions to minimize pollution of the Lake, and how many people depend on, and enjoy, Lake Superior. The game has recently been enhanced by the addition of more decision points and consequences within the role play. There are also more pollutants to add, and some random “calamity” generators, which further stress the model.

The game takes about an hour to play, depending on the size of the group and the amount of discussion during the game - ideal numbers of players range from ten to thirty people. The game booklet includes background information on Lake Superior for game organizers, instructions for preparing players, instructions for setting up and creating needed materials, instructions for play, and game cards. The booklet also includes a map of Lake Superior and its drainage basin, a worksheet on Lake Superior, worksheet answers, follow up instructional suggestions, and seven references. Because most of the examples in the game are not necessarily specific to Lake Superior, the role-play can be used with almost any lake.

Disclaimer: The reviews of this and the other Great Lakes Fisheries education materials were conducted by a single independent reviewer. The views of this reviewer do not necessarily reflect the views of GLIN, the Great Lakes Commission, the Great Lakes Fishery Trust, or the University of Michigan.