Materials:
-Turtle hats for every student
-Make a hat band with paper.
-Attach 2 flippers in the front
-Attach 2 flippers and a tail in the back
-Attach an oval for a head in the front
-Cards with obstacles to reaching the sea and maturity (made from
“Race to the Sea Playing Cards”), make a few copies
depending on the number of students.
-Coin, something to toss or spinner to use to take turns
Introduction:
“There are so many threats that interfere from the time that
a turtle lays its eggs until the hatchling becomes an adult. Do
you remember some that we have been talking about? Can you think
of anything else that may harm a turtle?”
Lesson:
“Today we will play a game that will help us understand many
of the threats that exist to sea turtles. We will begin at this
side of the room and see who makes it to the sea, which is the other
side of the room. Coin toss decides your move. Heads, you take a
step. Tails, you take a card.”
First child tosses the coin then moves appropriately. Game continues
while taking turns.
The goal is for the students to see that many of the turtles do
not make it to the sea.
Closure:
Discuss the results of the game. Ask why they think many of the
students did not make it. Let them know that this in reality is
the truth for turtles. Discuss and list on chart paper the many
threats the turtles had to face. Discuss if there is anything that
can be done about it. This is a good lead in to another lesson.
Make sure all students receive a prize (sticker for example) for
playing, not just the student that reached the sea.
Assessment/Evaluation:
Teacher observation
Student participation in game
Student participation in discussions