AP Environmental Science

WheelerHigh School

Mr. Walstead

APES Tragedy of the Commons Lab Activity

Purpose:

The purpose of this simulation is to explore how resources are used when they are available to multiple parties.

Objective:

Harvest as many fish as you can without destroying the ocean.

Use your experience to understand the conditions leading to the “tragedy of the commons.”

Devise strategies to avoid depletion of a limited common resource.

Apply your experience in class to global environmental problems.

Materials:

• Goldfish crackers

• Plastic bowls (lakes) & sleeves of fabric to cover

• Large “craft sticks”

Procedure:

  1. Divide into groups of 4. Each group should sit in a circle around the "lake". The goal of this activity is to see how each of you will behave when resources are not privately owned.
  2. The fish represent resources that can be harvested from the lake.
  3. The more fish you catch, the more money you will receive. You must fish by picking up the "fish" (not scooping) from the "lake" with sticks.
  4. You will get a chance to fish once a year (which lasts for 30 seconds) to determine your income for the year.
  5. You should rotate your fishing order every year so that everyone has a chance to go first.

Scenario 1 Rules:

  • Your goal in this scenario is: Personal profit - to catch as much fish as possible.

You cannot discuss fishing ideas with your group

  • Start with 20 fish
  • Each fishing session represents one generation of fish.
  • The fish in your lake will reproduce once a year. (2 fish become 4 become 8, etc)
  • Keep the fish that you "catch" in front of you.
  • When your group runs out of fish, the game is over for you.

Scenario 2 Rules:

  • Your goal in this scenario is: Personal profit - to catch as much fish as possible.

AND

Ensure your neighbors can survive

AND

Maintain a sustainable fish population

Discussingharvestingstrategieswith your group is highly encouraged (and penalties for not following the agreement)

Analysis & Discussion Questions: (To be answered in your lab notebook)

1. What happened at the conclusion of the 1st fishing scenario? Does society reward those with the"most"?

2. Did anyone sacrifice the # of fish, for the good of the community in the 1st round? Why or why not? Does society ever reward that type of person?

3. During round 2, did your group discuss your actions and strategies before each harvest?If so, briefly relate the discussion. Did each member carry out the plan that wasdiscussed?

4. Is it possible to maximize the number of fish caught/person AND the number of fishremaining in the pond at the same time? Why or Why not? (Use data from your group or the class to back up statement

5. Think of a local commons that you are familiar with. [parking lots, bathrooms,Cafeteria,, etc.] Do similar situations arise? Explain. HOW might those problems besolved?

6. What are some natural resources that are common resources?

7. What are the global commons? Are these being used wisely? Why or why not?

8. What can people do to use these resources most wisely?

9. What is the "Tragedy of the Commons"?

(To be placed in your lab notebook)

Group Data

1st Scenario:

Year # / # Fish at the beginning of the year / # of fish taken by 1st fisher / # of fish taken by 2nd fisher / # of fish taken by 3rd fisher / # of fish taken by 4th fisher / Total Fish Left at the end of the year
1 / 20
2
3
TOTAL: / xxxxxxxxxxx / xxxxxxxxxxx
Name: / Group Total
Total Fish Harvest:

2nd Scenario:

Year # / # Fish at the beginning of the year / # of fish taken by 1st fisher / # of fish taken by 2nd fisher / # of fish taken by 3rd fisher / # of fish taken by 4th fisher / Total Fish Left at the end of the year
1 / 20
2
3
TOTAL: / xxxxxxxxxxx / xxxxxxxxxxx
Name: / Group Total
Total Fish Harvest:
Class Data / 1st Scenario / 2nd Scenario
Group / Best Fisherman (Total) / Group Total Catch / Fish Population Remaining / Best Fisherman (Total) / Group Total Catch / Fish Population Remaining
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10