Teacher Notes:

Setting the stage with a “real” Tragedy of the Commons

What better way to introduce the idea of the Tragedy of the Commons than letting it play out in real-time in the
classroom? Before class begins on the first day, set out a bowl of M&Ms in the front of the classroom with a sign
that says “help yourself”. In the bowl should be five times the number of M&Ms as students in the class. As the
teacher, make sure you are not hovering over the bowl; make it open and accessible. If possible, take note of how
many M&Ms the first student takes, second student, etc. How quickly does the bowl empty? Was there enough for
all of the students? Did the last students have to take less in order for everyone to get some? Keep notes and
address this ​real​ example of the Tragedy of the Commons after the class role play (as to not spoil the role play).

The Game:
● Each bowl should be filled at the start with 16 fish for groups of 4, or four times the number of students in
group.
● This game will be played twice: the first, in silence, so that the students get a sense of what overfishing looks
like. After the first round, when most students typically run out of fish, groups will be allowed to talk,
collaborate, and strategize in order to sustain their yield the second time around.
● You may also take the sheet off the bowl for round two.
● Materials Needed:
◦ Bag of M&Ms (be sure to note if there are any allergies that might require using a substitute)
◦ 5 bowls and spoons
◦ 5 cloth covers for bowls
◦ 20 data sheets

Data Sheet:

# of fish in the lake after # of fish YOU caught # of fish caught total
reproduction
Year One

Year Two

Year Three

Year Four

Total