The Polar Challenge Game for EL Collaboration

The following instructions are intended for high-intermediate to advanced students. To adjust for time and level, shorten the list and reduce or eliminate unfamiliar vocabulary.

Set the Scene

First, the students need to know something about where they are going. Following are some important facts about this secret area:

• There is plenty of snow. However, there are no plants except for roughly three trees (each 2 meters tall) per 10 square kilometers.
• The temperature is below zero Celsius all year.
• It is dark half of the year and light the other half. At the time of class, it is light.
• Animals in that area include small arctic foxes and huge, dangerous polar bears on land; whales, seals, and fish in the ocean; and many small birds that nest near the water.
• There is no cell phone reception and no chance of escape.

Establish the Rules

Each group of students is allowed to take the clothes they are wearing, but no other personal items.

Each group member will also receive a heavy coat; bowl, fork and spoon; 7 kilos of chocolate; and a water bottle (water not included).

In addition, they may choose 12 items from the list in the following section to take with them. Many of these items are separate. For instance, the flashlight does not include batteries.

Unless specified, there is only one item (for example, one tent) that must be shared by the group. In this list, the items are in rough groups, such as tools and clothing.  I allow students to use the internet to look up unfamiliar vocabulary.

Students should focus on finding food, clothing, and shelter. If the students can survive for 2 years, they will be set free. There are no wrong answers, and creativity is encouraged.

Make a List

Here is a sample list of 30 items for students to choose from.

1. 400 matches
2. 30 candles (10 hours each)
3. 10 extra batteries (each one lasts 20 hours)
4. flashlight (needs batteries)
5. 30 liters of fuel (each liter runs the heater for 10 hours)
6. heater (needs fuel)
7. rifle
8. club
9. sword
10. harpoon
11. 3 small knives
12. ammunition for rifle (250 bullets)
13. magnifying glass
14. whistle
15. 1 can opener
16. shovel
17. fishing rod and hook (can catch fish up to 20 kilos)
18. Large sled
19. Kayak and paddle
20. tent
21. sleeping bag (1 for each person)
22. beef jerky (80 kilos)
23. 100 cans of food (120 kilos. Needs a can opener)
24. 20 spools of heavy thread and 20 needles
25. 100 meters of rope
26. solar powered walkie-talkie (set of 2)
27. backpack (1 for each person)
28. instruction book for camping in the snow (in your native language)
29. snow boots (1 pair for each person)
30. waders and wading boots (2 pairs)

Assign Roles

Assign three to five students to each group (or online breakout room) and give students roles, such as facilitator, time-keeper, note-taker, and reporter. You can find more ideas on promoting good discussions in my October Blog.  Give students a time limit based on the number of items. For 30 items, I allow students 40 minutes to deliberate. Check in with groups periodically to answer questions and help the facilitator encourage everyone to participate.

Debrief

After the time is up, bring students back together and ask them to explain which 12 items they chose and why. It’s interesting to see what strategy each group chooses for surviving the harsh conditions.

Whether or not it’s cold where you are, I hope your students have fun playing in the imaginary snow of this activity. Are there any activities you like to do seasonally? Please share in the comments below.