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Predator-Prey Simulation: Understanding Ecological Balance

Prep Time:

1-2 hours

Cook Time:

Ensure all participants understand the area boundaries to avoid straying or potential injuries.
Supervise the game closely to manage the physical interactions during predator-prey tags.

Serves:

Ages 10-15

Level:

Servings

About the Recipe

[object Object]

Ingredients

  • Colored beans or small objects (different colors representing different resources and energy levels)

  • Area markers (cones or flags to define boundaries)

  • Stopwatch

  • Whistle

  • Vests or bands to distinguish predators from prey

Preparation

  • Setup: Mark off a playing area using cones or flags. This represents the ecosystem.

  • Assign Roles: Divide participants into two groups: predators and prey. Predators wear vests or bands.

  • Distribute Resources: Scatter colored beans or objects within the area. These represent resources such as water, food, and shelter.

  • Game Rules:

    • Prey must collect as many resources as possible to survive. Each bean collects adds to their survival time.

    • Predators must tag prey to 'capture' them, simulating a successful hunt. Each capture allows predators to 'survive' longer.

    • Set a time limit for each round (e.g., 10 minutes).

  • Play: Start the round with a whistle. Use the stopwatch to keep track of time. After each round, discuss what happened and adjust rules or ratios of predators to prey as necessary to see different ecological outcomes.

  • Repeat: Conduct several rounds to observe how different conditions (such as increased predators or scarce resources) affect the survival rates and strategies of both groups.

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