Simulation + Gaming = LifeSmarts
LifeSmarts at Salisbury High School simulated a toxic waste activity this past week with their classes. Each of the classes consists of 45 students and every few days they engage in a “pull out” activity where the three teachers split up the class and give small group an opportunity to engage in a team building, thought provoking activity. The most recent activity involved a team of students whose job it was to “save the planet” by transferring toxic waste from one point to another. Of course, there was a catch (or several). Ground rules of the “game”: 1. no one can touch the bucket of “waste”, 2. no one can put any part of their body inside of an approximately 8 foot in diameter circle (arm goes in – you finish the task with an arm behind your back, leg – you hop around, head – blindfolded) 3. only the tools provided (8 thin ropes and one bungy cord tied in a slip knot) can enter the circle and be use to touch the bucket, 4. the “waste” (plastic balls) must be dumped into the other bucket which was about 20 feet away 5. the bucket must be carried from Point A to Point B – no dragging allowed.
Once the rules were clear the kids were given 5 minutes to pre-plan their strategy and decide task assignments. They could not touch anything in that time. After the 5 minutes expired the teams were free to gather their tools and implement their plan. Most groups took several tries to figure out exactly how they wanted to accomplish their task and some had to be reminded to use ALL of their tools or to leave the bungy tied in the slip knot (it’s probably pre-tied for a reason right?). Of the three classes I was able to be part of – all three accomplished the task (with a spill here or there — oops – don’t tell OCHA).
What was great about this day and this activity is watching the kids engage in learning several skills: collaboration, problem solving, discussion, evaluating various strategies, trial and error, and supporting their teammates. This was the use of gaming in the classroom that did not involve competition or technology, yet – held the kids’ attention and engaged them in the activity. Sometimes, it is the simple things that bring joy and fulfillment to the educational process.
