Overfishing – a Tragedy of the Commons Game for Students
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Provided by: Science Journal for Kids|Published on: November 18, 2025
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Scientist Reviewed This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
Synopsis
- In this game from Science Journal for Kids, students will fish for candy to understand the importance of sustainable fishing practices.
- Students will play 3 rounds of the game and discover how having rules in place can ensure that the fish populations will continue to grow, so everyone can have what they need.
Subjects: Biology
Authors: Science Journal for Kids
Region: Global
Languages: English
Teaching Materials
Positives
- This game provides opportunities to make connections to students' local realities, which will enrich the learning experience.
- This game does a great job of helping students see how overfishing works and almost forces the "aha" moment, especially if using the method shown in the video.
Prerequisites
- Students should understand the importance of having enough of a species to continue its population.
Differentiation & Implementation
- Before playing, teachers of younger students can have a math activity where students are asked to rank the four candies that will be used to represent the fish species. The class can then compile and graph the data, using the results to determine which candy will represent which fish.
- After playing the game, teachers can explain how climate change and ocean warming will impact ocean species, making sustainable fishing even more important.
- This module is specifically about the Gulf of Maine and the impacts of climate change on its fish species, but it may also be useful for students outside of Maine.
- Teachers can use this game to make connections to the Sustainable Development Goals, highlighting the connection between SDG 2, Zero Hunger, and SDG 14, Life Below Water.
With this fishing game, students will learn about how overfishing or a lack of regulations can contribute to or cause the collapse of a fishery. The game encourages students to think about responsible fishing and to interact with our environment, and it depicts the importance of prioritizing sustainability. Additional resources, including an article written for kids and videos, are provided and offer a good background for the game. The information presented is accurate, and this resource is recommended for teaching.
Teaching Tips
Standards
Resource Type and Format
About the Partner Provider
Science Journal for Kids
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Scientist Reviewed
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Our review process ensures that every resource in our library reflects the current state of climate science.
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