Grade Level: 6th Grade
Age: 11-12 years old
Duration: 60 minutes

Lesson Objectives:

Understand the concept of the tragedy of the commons.
Learn about examples of the tragedy of the commons in real life.
Develop critical thinking skills to identify potential solutions to the tragedy of the commons.

Materials:

Whiteboard or blackboard
Chalk or markers
Projector or screen for videos
Handout with practice exercises
Assessment quiz

Introduction (10 minutes):

Begin by asking students if they know what the tragedy of the commons is, and if they can provide examples.
Define the tragedy of the commons as a situation where individuals, acting independently and rationally 

according to their self-interest, behave contrary to the common good of all users by depleting or spoiling shared resources.

Show this short video to provide a clear understanding of the tragedy of the commons: 

https://youtu.be/CxC161GvMPc

Instruction (20 minutes):

Discuss real-life examples of the tragedy of the commons, such as overfishing, air pollution, and deforestation.
Explain how the tragedy of the commons arises from individual actions that have collective consequences.
Introduce the concept of sustainable resource management as a potential solution to the tragedy of the 

commons.

Practice Exercises (15 minutes):

Distribute the handout with practice exercises.
Have students work in pairs or small groups to complete the exercises, which will include:
a. Identifying instances of the tragedy of the commons in their own lives or communities.
b. Discussing potential solutions to the identified instances.
c. Exploring ways to promote sustainable resource management in their own lives or communities.
Assessment (10 minutes):

Provide a short quiz to assess students' understanding of the tragedy of the commons, its real-life examples, and potential solutions. Questions can include multiple-choice, true/false, and short-answer formats.

Extensions beyond the class:

Encourage students to research more about the tragedy of the commons and its impact on the environment 

and society.

Invite students to create posters or digital presentations to share with the school community about the 

tragedy of the commons and sustainable resource management.

Interactive Fun Activities (5 minutes):

Play the "Sustainable Choices Game": Divide the class into small groups, and assign each group a resource 

(e.g., water, forests, fish). Each group must discuss and decide on actions they can take to sustainably

manage their resource. Afterward, groups can share their strategies with the class.

Show a video that highlights a real-life example of people working together to overcome the tragedy of the commons, such as this one on community-based fishery management:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tLnA0AO2lXA 

Discuss the importance of cooperation and collective action in addressing the tragedy of the commons.

Homework Assignment:

Assign students to write a one-page reflection on the tragedy of the commons, including their thoughts

on the importance of sustainable resource management and examples of how they can contribute to solving this issue in their daily lives.

Class Debate (Optional Extension Activity, 20 minutes):

Organize a class debate on the role of government and individual responsibility in addressing the tragedy of the commons. Divide the class into two groups, with one group arguing in favor of increased government intervention and the other supporting individual responsibility and voluntary action.

Allow each group 5 minutes to present their arguments, followed by 2 minutes for rebuttals.

Facilitate a class discussion to help students recognize the importance of both government and individual actions in tackling the tragedy of the commons.

Field Trip (Optional Extension Activity):

Organize a field trip to a local park, nature reserve, or other green spaces where students can observe 

firsthand the consequences of the tragedy of the commons and the importance of sustainable resource 

management.

Arrange for a park ranger or environmental expert to provide a guided tour, emphasizing the role of 

sustainable practices in maintaining the health and balance of ecosystems.

Have students participate in a hands-on activity, such as tree planting, beach cleanup, or

monitoring water quality, to reinforce the importance of individual and collective efforts in

addressing the tragedy of the commons.
Online Resources for Further Learning:

TED ED Study: 

https://ed.ted.com/lessons/what-is-the-tragedy-of-the-commons-nicholas-amendolare

TRAGEDY OF THE COMMONS: WHAT IT IS AND 5 EXAMPLES

Harvard Business School Online's Business :

https://online.hbs.edu/blog/post/tragedy-of-the-commons-impact-on-sustainability-issues

The Tragedy of the Commons Game, an online game that simulates the concepts discussed in the lesson: 

https://economics-games.com/tragedy-commons

By incorporating these additional components, students will have a more comprehensive understanding of the tragedy of the commons, its real-world implications, and the importance of sustainable resource management. Moreover, students will develop critical thinking skills and become more aware of their roles as responsible citizens and stewards of the environment.

1. EBS 경제시리즈 시즌3: 10부 공유지의 희극

https://youtu.be/HhVEk9MNr24

2. Limits To Growth, the 30-Year Update, 2004

https://www.amazon.com/Limits-Growth-Donella-H-Meadows/dp/193149858X

3. 윤재남 선생님 강의

https://youtu.be/QI5OxJ6bMRI

4. 경민쌤의 불휘논술

https://youtu.be/7WOKTJEyKfk