 |
Kangaroo Rat
|
Nocturnal Lives
Background
The Great Sand Dunes, as well as many other places in the San
Luis Valley, are filled with nocturnal animals. These animals come
out at night to eat, hunt, and seek out mates. The purpose of this
game is for students to realize that while some animals are out
seeking food, predators are seeking them too.
Procedure
This game is best played at night in a field or sandy area which
does not contain obstacles that can hurt the players. This could
also be played in a darkened gym or large room with blindfolds.
(When played indoors, running should not be allowed.)
Choose two students to be predators. Divide the remaining players
into pairs of 'prey'. The goal of this activity is for the prey
to elude the predators and not be tagged. Each pair must first decide
on a secret sound—unique to their pair—that they will
use to find each other. The sound must be distinct, yet also must
not attract undue attention from the predator.
After dark, in the place you have chosen, divide the pairs of students
across the field. The predators will begin in the middle of the
area. Explain that pairs are to seek their partners out through
the use of their secret calls. If a member of a pair is caught before
he or she is able to link up with the partner, he or she should
give off the secret sound in three rapid calls to let the partner
know of the capture. A capture of one in a pair means that both
players are out. Pairs that have been tagged out and pairs that
have linked up should go to the game area boundary. The object is
for both players to find each other without being captured.
Consider using blindfolds on all players if it is not dark enough
outside. At the teacher's signal the action will begin.
The last two prey to get caught can be the predator in the next
game.
Critical Thinking
- Which sounds were best at eluding the predators and helping
the prey pair to link up?
- Have your students demonstrate real animal calls and vocalizations
that are made by nocturnal animals?
- Make a list of reasons why animals have vocalizations.
Adapted from Educator's Guide to Great Sand Dunes, by Lori
Cooper, Friends of the Dunes.
|
|
