The Alpha Project Peer Nomination Simulation

5. Judge
a.
b.
c.
6. Entertainer
a.
b.
c.
Peer Evaluation Activity-Fifth Grade
Directions:
1. It is important to create a relaxed and non-threatening atmosphere for this activity. Present in a
similar manner as you would an informal class discussion. For example, if your students are
accustomed to sitting on the floor when you have informal talks, let them do the same when you
introduce and discuss the activity.
2. Teacher should stress the idea that the activity is fun. It is one that requires the child to use his/
her imagination. It is also an activity that requires the child to think.
3. Do not pass out the answer forms until the children understand the situation and its problems.
4. The activity is oral. Teacher and students discuss and share ideas about survival before students
are asked to select certain members of the class for particular roles.
5. The movie, "The Hunter," is an excellent introductory film and is beneficial in creating the mood
needed for this activity.
ACTIVITY I
Survival of the Fittest
Directions:
(Teacher) "We're going to do something that has to do with how well we know each other and how
we can rely on each other by using our different talents. I want you to sit and 'think' for a minute. Let's
imagine that you and your classmates suddenly find yourselves stranded on an island in the South
Pacific. Fortunately, the climate is warm. There are lots of fruit trees and plenty of fish in the water. But
that is all that you have-there are no grown-ups, no KYAC or KOL radio stations, and you are nowhere
near civilization as we know it. It is all up to everyone in the room to help take care of the group. We
must examine the talents that each of us has. There are six immediate needs that have to be taken care
of:
1. Providing food—(hunting, fishing, growing or finding things to eat)
2. Providing shelter—(designing and building houses)
3. Government—(people who can organize the group and help group make decisions)
4. Judges—(people who are good at talking to people and helping them to settle arguments)
5. Fun-Makers—(people who have talent in art, music, creative writing, story-telling, etc.)
6. Inventors—(people who would be good at inventing and making tools for the hunters and home
builders)