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AGE LEVEL = 5-9 (3-12) DURATION = 15 min. LEARNING STATION = Anywhere RELATED ACTIVITIES = All WHEN =

UNDERSTANDING: Memory of natural objects leads to stronger awareness of those objects.

SPECIAL NOTES: Kim’s Game can be used to supplement many other activities. By changing the objects, Kim’s Game can be used as a lead-in activity for any ecological theme or concept. For example, use objects to represent the living and nonliving parts of an ecosystem as a lead-in activity to Activity 36 – Web of Life or Activity 20 – Ecosystem Chorus.

MATERIALS:

• 8 to 10 natural objects reflecting theme of the day

• Handkerchief or small blanket to cover objects

PREPARATION: Collect all the objects and cover them with the blanket. The objects should all have some relation to one another (i.e. sunflower seeds, flying insects, worms and blueberries all relate to foods birds eat).

LESSON:

Warm-up: Explain to the children that because of circumstances beyond your control you have to give them a test. The children will probably groan. Then further explain that this is a most unusual test. It will be fun. The children will become more aware of objects found in the natural world.

Activity: Have the children sit in a half circle in front of the covered objects. Lift the blanket slowly and have them concentrate on the objects for about 30 seconds. After 30 seconds, replace the blanket. Ask if they can remember the objects. Ask for minute details of each one. Discuss the what, how, and why of each object, then ask everyone to share a new observation as you proceed around the circle. For older children, you may have them try to list all the objects before you discuss them as a group.

Wrap-up: Ask the children what they thought of the test. Would they take another test like this again? What objects were new to them? Do the objects all relate to one another and tell a story? What is the story?

OPTIONS AND FURTHER EXPLORATIONS:

1. Send the children on a search for objects that are related. Have them bring the objects back to the circle and discuss their findings.
    

2. See SPECIAL NOTES section above.