The Moose Game

The Moose Game

An activity focusing on how populations are affected by resource availability.

  • 6-16 years
  • Group size: 15+
  • Duration: 20 min
  • Alternative physical activities
  • Competitive game
  • Mountains, forests and fields

Mark two lines 20–30 meters apart in an open space. A portion of the group, for example ¼, will be "moose" and stand behind one line. The rest will stand behind the other line and be "resources" that the moose need: food, water, and protection.

Both groups turn so they stand back-to-back. Now, each participant must decide what they will be or what they need:

  • The moose decide what they need (water, food, or protection)
  • The resources decide what they will be (water, food, or protection).

The signs are shown as follows:

  • Water = hands to mouth
  • Food = pat hands on stomach
  • Protection = hands over head

On signal, everyone turns simultaneously and shows their sign. The moose then run over to collect the resource they need. Each resource can only be "taken" by one moose; meaning only one moose can choose each person in the resource group.

All resources collected by a moose join and become moose in the next round. If a moose does not find the resource it needs, or if it is already "full" (all suitable resources are taken), the moose "dies" and moves to the resource group. In each new round, the moose decide again what they need, and the resources what they will be.

An adult should lead the game and ask if everyone has decided what they need or will be before the signal is given.