Details and Share
Fish or Famine?
Students will understand food scarcity and unequal distribution through a simple, yet concrete demonstration.
Grade Level: 5 - 7th
Subject: Environmental, Science
Length of Time: 10-15 Minutes
Objectives & Outcomes
Learners will understand and discuss food distribution and inequality while learning the importance of sharing.
Materials Needed
Gold fish crackers (or any item that easily fits in a bowl)
Procedure
Opening to Lesson
Ask students to think about a meal they have had at home. Ask them to think of a time when they did not have enough, if this has ever been a problem. Ask them to think about how it would feel if there was never enough food.
Body of Lesson
- Have two bowls of crackers (or whatever food is chosen) ready.
- Begin by handing the first bowl to the first student and explain that they may take as many crackers as they want and then pass it to the next person (but do not yet eat the crackers).
- Have them continue to pass the bowl, even if the crackers run out.
- Now have students pass a second bowl, but each can only take a certain number of crackers.
- Keep each pile separate on their desks.
Closing
Encourage a discussion on how each group felt. Was it better when everyone shared or when people took what they wanted? How can this be applied to behaviors outside the classroom or should it? Can this concept be applied to anything (other resources) than food?
Assessment & Evaluation
Assessment will be based on participation and discussion to show understanding.
Modification & Differentiation
Some students may need prompting to complete follow up discussion.
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