Quagmire is a role-playing game that simulates a real situation: whether or not to destroy a salt marsh to build a highway, or protect the marsh from development. Participating in a debate, students take on the roles of various stakeholders such as government, industry, business, farmers and environmental organizations to discuss the fate of a saltwater marsh located in the Maritimes.
· The resource comes on a DVD in PDF format. It is available in both Gr.5-8 and Gr. 9-12 versions
· The detailed simulation/role-playing format includes printable and suggested resources to help prepare student role-players for their tasks in the simulation.
· The chairperson role for the simulated regional council meeting is scripted and can be played by a student or a teacher.
Many useful, easy to perform wetland science experiments and activities are included to inform students about wetland functions. Most can be done outside or inside with minimal materials and in the dead of winter.
The following tool will allow you to explore the relevant curriculum matches for this resource. To start, select a province listed below.
Principle | Rating | Explanation |
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Consideration of Alternative Perspectives | Very Good |
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Consideration of Alternative Perspectives:
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Multiple Dimensions of Problems & Solutions | Very Good |
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Multiple Dimensions of Problems & Solutions: Effectively addresses the environmental, economic and social dimensions of the issue(s) being explored.
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Respects Complexity | Good | |
Respects Complexity: The complexity of the problems/issues being discussed is respected. | ||
Acting on Learning | Satisfactory | |
Acting on Learning: Learning moves from understanding issues to working towards positive change — in personal lifestyle, in school, in the community, or for the planet
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Values Education | Good | |
Values Education: Students are explicitly provided with opportunities to identify, clarify and express their own beliefs/values. | ||
Empathy & Respect for Humans | Very Good | |
Empathy & Respect for Humans: Empathy and respect are fostered for diverse groups of humans (including different genders, ethnic groups, sexual preferences, etc.). | ||
Personal Affinity with Earth | Good |
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Personal Affinity with Earth: Encourages a personal affinity with -the natural world.
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Locally-Focused Learning | Very Good |
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Locally-Focused Learning: Includes learning experiences that take advantage of issues/elements within the local community.
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Past, Present & Future | Very Good |
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Past, Present & Future: Promotes an understanding of the past, a sense of the present, and a positive vision for the future. |
Principle | Rating | Explanation |
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Open-Ended Instruction | Very Good |
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Open-Ended Instruction
: Lessons are structured so that multiple/complex answers are possible; students are not steered toward one 'right' answer. | ||
Integrated Learning | Good | |
Integrated Learning: Learning brings together content and skills from more than one subject area
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Inquiry Learning | Very Good |
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Inquiry Learning: Learning is directed by questions, problems, or challenges that students work to address.
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Differentiated Instruction | Poor/Not considered |
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Differentiated Instruction: Activities address a range of student learning styles, abilities and readiness.
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Experiential Learning | Good | |
Experiential Learning: Authentic learning experiences are provided
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Cooperative Learning | Good | |
Cooperative Learning: Group and cooperative learning strategies are a priority.
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Assessment & Evaluation | Satisfactory |
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Assessment & Evaluation: Tools are provided that help students and teachers to capture formative and summative information about students' learning and performance. These tools may include reflection questions, checklists, rubrics, etc. | ||
Peer Teaching | Very Good |
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Peer Teaching: Provides opportunities for students to actively present their knowledge and skills to peers and/or act as teachers and mentors.
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Case Studies | Good |
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Case Studies: Relevant case studies are included. Case studies are thorough descriptions of real events from real situations that students use to explore concepts in an authentic context. | ||
Locus of Control | Good | |
Locus of Control: Meaningful opportunities are provided for students to choose elements of program content, the medium in which they wish to work, and/or to go deeper into a chosen issue. |