The Natural World
Lesson overview
Henry David Thoreau was not only a writer and philosopher, he was also a naturalist and what we would call today a “citizen scientist.” In this game-based learning experience, students take on the role of Thoreau the naturalist as they investigate the biodiversity of Walden Pond, collecting information and specimens of the many species of plants and animals to be found there, while being mindful of protecting the environment. Supporting the 15-30 minute gameplay experience, are five pre- and post-play activities that will extend and deepen students’ understanding of Thoreau’s work as both a naturalist and an author and witness to the beauty of nature.
After completing this lesson students will be able to:
Reflect on Henry David Thoreau’s work as a naturalist and citizen scientist.
Articulate the basic concepts of phenology, the study of cyclical or seasonal biological events, and why it is important to understanding climate change.
Gather phenological data about flora and fauna in their local environment.
Apply an understanding of phenology to their own experiments around climate change.
Demonstrate a respectful relationship to the natural environment.
Lesson Materials
Lesson plans included in this PDF
Web-based game module for Lesson: The Natural World
Extra materials for activities:
Leave No Trace PRinciples
Aligns with these “Leave No Trace” principles:
Leave What You Find
Preserve the past: examine, photograph, but do not touch cultural or historic structures and artifacts.
Leave rocks, plants and other natural objects as you find them.
Avoid introducing or transporting non-native species.
Do not build structures, furniture, or dig trenches.
Respect Wildlife
Observe wildlife from a distance. Do not follow or approach them.
Never feed animals. Feeding wildlife damages their health, alters natural behaviors, [habituates them to humans], and exposes them to predators and other dangers.
Protect wildlife and your food by storing rations and trash securely.
Control pets at all times, or leave them at home.
Avoid wildlife during sensitive times: mating, nesting, raising young, or winter.
Gameplay
The Natural World game module is a first person exploration game that prompts students to explore Walden Pond acting as a “citizen scientist.” As they explore, the student will find a variety of plants and animal species local to the pond and will help with scientific tasks such as collecting species and surveying water levels. The module is 30 minutes long, but can be ended early if class time is limited.
During the game, students will:
Discover fifteen or more species of plants and animals.
Complete a scientific survey of the shore of the pond to assess spring water levels.
Assist a scientist in studying examples of local animals.
Remain mindful of protecting the environment.
Discover passages from Thoreau’s writings on nature by gathering arrowheads.
At the end of the game module, students will be shown a recap screen reviewing their engagement with the objectives. The screen will allow students to save and print their in-game journal. The journal will include all the arrowhead passages students found as they explored the woods. It also includes records of their interactions with other objects in the virtual environment such as every species of plant and animal.
Getting Started
The game is launched by clicking “play game”. This will open a new browser tab and load the game. The game requires an internet connection and the Chrome web browser. It will play on a PC, Mac or Chromebook. To control the game, use the keyboard and a mouse or trackpad.
Controls:
Mouse or trackpad - look around
W - walk forward
A - walk left
S - walk right
D - walk backward
W + shift - run forward
X - pick up or interact
C - inspect closely
P - pause game
J - open journal
Q & E - turn pages in books and journal
M - reread mail
R - toggle handwriting/text in mail
Within the discussion and store interface:
Arrow keys or W, A, S, and D to move up, down, left, and right to select a response or item.
Return or Enter to confirm a selection.
To end the game, press P and select “end game” from the pause menu. From the final game screen, you can print or save the player journal. Choose “Print this screen” at the bottom of the journal HTML page, and then use the print dialogue to send to a local printer device, save to a PDF, or save to Google Drive.
Trouble-shooting
If you have any trouble launching the game, please check your setup using our Walden EDU test tool, here.
More info about minimum requirements, known issues and support for the game can be found at the Educators FAQ.
