Rock Paper Scissors Lizard

By Brendan Joyce, Concordia University

At a Glance

Discipline

Biology
STEM

Instructional Level

College & CEGEP
University

Course

Evolution

Tasks in Workflow

Social Plane(s)

Individual
Group
Whole Class

Type of Tasks

Discussing
Gaming & role-playing
Creating & designing
Reading
Taking a quiz & test

Technical Details

Time

Single class period (< 90 mins)

Instructional Purpose

Application & knowledge building
Preparation & knowledge activation

Overview

The aim of this activity is to introduce the concept of an evolutionarily stable strategy (ESS) and cement the idea with a memorable counter example. Using self made, specially designed dice, students explore the concept of non-transitivity.

Students are assigned one of three dice configurations and invited to repeatedly roll against the other two, with the goal of determining which, if any, is best. The reproductive strategies of the side blotched lizard are discussed.

Useful videos:

Useful Articles:

Instructional Objectives

Students will be able to explain evolutionary stable strategy
Students will be able to describe non-transitivity using a self-made specially designed dice

Workflow & Materials

Activity Workflow

View on CourseFlow

Document

Teacher Instructions

Brendan Joyce

Contributor's Notes

Benefits

The dice provide a memorable example of non-transitivity which is based on numerical values as opposed to an arbitrary system (Rock Paper Scissors).

Challenges

Mathematically inclined students can derive the answer from the values of the dice faces.

Tips

Assign one configuration of die to each group, discourage sharing of configurations.
The activity is faster when altering existing dice.

Applied Strategies

Game-Based Instruction & Gamification

Engagement and motivation

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Published: 15/08/2019

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