Jenga as an Ecosystem model

I used this activity with my middle school students. As a model, it does a great job of illustrating how an ecosystem is “delicately balanced.” The authors explain the activity really well... See More

I used this activity with my middle school students. As a model, it does a great job of illustrating how an ecosystem is “delicately balanced.” The authors explain the activity really well, so it is easy to use just as written. I was able to find generic Jenga games in tin, at a Big Lots store for $5.00. For my students to really “get the concept”, I needed to make sure there was a fair amount of discussion to make sure they were able to understand what was being emphasized. So long as we had the preparation, the conversations went well. Without the discussion, it was just a game.

Elements of and Ecosystem Interdependence Game

I have mixed feelings on this activity. On one hand, it does an excellent job of demonstrating the interdependence of species within an ecosystem. It also helps demonstrate that small diff... See More

I have mixed feelings on this activity. On one hand, it does an excellent job of demonstrating the interdependence of species within an ecosystem. It also helps demonstrate that small difference may not have catastrophic results, but even the smallest changes eventually add to the overall “fall” of the ecosystem. However, the game/lesson does not allow for invasive species and the damaging impact that invasive species can have on the ecosystem. Yet, with enough of “how does model not fit” discussions, this would be an overall great opportunity to teach the interdependence of all elements within an ecosystem.

Models how changes can affect ecosystems

With a few Jenga games and a little bit of preparation this lesson is ready to go in one of the variations presented by the authors. Blocks are marked with colors and when students role the ... See More

With a few Jenga games and a little bit of preparation this lesson is ready to go in one of the variations presented by the authors. Blocks are marked with colors and when students role the die they remove the color associated with the number which represents animals, plants, water, air. The authors have made a good case for using this to model how changes in the environment sometimes do and sometimes don't immediately make changes. I think I would add the variation of using available land instead of air to their list of things you can do. I like this lesson and I can see how it could fit into my current environmental unit in a way that would engage my students. And I think this could be used at several different levels - elementary through high school with appropriate modifications.