Suggested Simulations

The following is a list of simulations with suggestions for use with SaskEd. curriculum. These examples are drawn from various sources. Some materials are available for free while others require purchase. All offer some features that can be adapted to a specific program. In several cases, the material was developed by industry. These resources may require the teacher to offer a balancing viewpoint.

• Resource simulation - suitable for Gr. 7 Resource unit, it can be adapted to issues in Gr. 6 and 7 Language Arts. This is a simple but fun one period simulation. All the required materials, except the candy of course, can be downloaded. Just follow the link.
• Election Simulation - available from Elections Canada, this free kit is targeted to cover Gr. 5 through 12. Units with themes of power or governance from Social Studies programs may make use of this material. The kit includes a binder with all terms, handouts and a guide to the scenario. It also includes a guide for running a student union campaign. This may be an interesting way to adapt the class activity to a genuine activity. The link will take you to the order form.
• A Forest for All - developed by the Canadian Pulp and Paper Association, this lengthier sim is set in a fictitious town at odds about a proposed expansion of forest harvesting. The students are assigned roles as members of the community. Placed into groups these members take a specific position on the proposal. Having researched their position and roles, they bring their arguments to a town hall meeting. It's at this meeting that a decision is made on the matter. This simulation that fits well with the Gr. 7 Resource unit. The sim can be adapted to cover Gr. 7-12. The opening activity involves listening to a radio program. The text of the broadcasts are in the printable materials.You can stream the audio via your computer for class use. The text of the program is in the downloadable document (.pdf file).
  • Arborea media file - listen to the radio broadcast through your computer
  • Boreala media file - listen to the radio broadcast through your computer
• Model United Nations - There are a number of publications available to allow teachers to establish a simulated United Nations. Gr. 10 Social Studies deals with the development of the United Nations while Gr. 11 Social Studies discusses world governance. Both themes make may use of these resources. Many model UNs have been posted on the web.
• Sworn to Serve - this intriguing simulation activity is part of a Gr. 7 LA unit produced by the Saskatoon Public School Division. This component informs the student of the political system in place during the middle ages. If would be suitable as an activity as part of the Gr. 7 Power unit. Groups of students play members of the family. The family is seeking to become vassals of Lord (or Lady)Whinesalot. In order to earn that status they must prove their worth. Each family must prepare to make their plea before the lord. They prepare an oath of fealty, a coat of arms, a family history, a drawing of their proposed castle and a map of their fief. In period costume, they present these materials as part of their plea. Follow-up activities are included.
• The Real Game - originally created in Canada, this is a board game that simulates life and career planning. The main Canadian website is here. The game seeks to simulate the reflection and choices that are made by adults as they seek out career paths. The game is available in different versions to suit specific grade levels. Aspects of the game fit well with the suggested activities and themes of SaskEd. curriculum. A number of school divisions have already purchased this resource. Teachers may wish to check with their division.
• The Hand You're Dealt - this simulation deals with issues of equity. Developed by Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission, the preamble states that it centres around "the factors which impact one's success in a stratified society and the uses of power and influence." Students are issued a face card that signifies the individual's identity and earning potential along with the accompanying benefits or detriments. Players engage in the trading of cards to accumulate wealth. Possession of certain key cards offer advantages through various activities within the game.
• Mock trials etc.- The Public Legal Education Association of Saskatchewan offers a number of free, low cost or free for loan modules related to legal issues. They have simulations that have specific application to several curriculum themes. Within the site are materials for teaching themes including human rights (Health/Lifestyles) and power (Social Studies). Material available is relevant to grades 5 -12.
• Computer Simulations - these games are very popular among students and often have an educational component. Game titles such as Oregon Trail and Amazon Trail may be familiar examples. Sometimes referred to as strategy games, they typically involve the manipulation of a group or society. The most well known are the Sid Meier series prefixed by "Sim" as in SimCity or SimFarm. Choices are made within a scenario. Circumstances rising out of these choices as well as unexpected events challenge the player. Historically, most computer sims have been single player but recently there has been an increase in network play. This means that groups of students can compete within a scenario while seated at different stations. Game settings vary widely from fictitious to historically based. Listed below is a sample of reviews and titles. The list is by no means exhaustive.
  • Roller Coaster Tycoon - develop and manage a theme park
  • Simcity 3000 - control most aspects of city development
  • Alpha Centauri - human kind enters space in 7 diverse groups
  • Caesar III - Simcity in ancient Rome
  • Gazillionaire - a cross between monopoly and Wall Street with a sci-fi feel. This is a free to use download.
  • Civilization series - complex through the ages simulation. Players lead their nation from ancient times to the brink of space travel while completing against other nations.
  • Railroad Tycoon II - build and run a railway business
  • Monopoly Tycoon - based on the board game but broader scope. It is a real-time game of business management and city building with many of the elements of the board game. Aspects such as collecting rent, paying taxes and improving property will be familiar to the user. Up to six people can play on a network.