Role play is a form of experiential learning that gives participants direct experience with the content surrounding an issue, and provides an opportunity to develop and practice skills such as perspective-taking, problem-solving, and negotiation. Participants take on the personality and background of an individual or group and interact with others in the context of a specific situation, gaining exposure to multiple perspectives while exploring the challenges of solving complex public-policy issues. At the end of the dialogue, participants look at the content from a much wider perspective from having "stood in the shoes" of the actual participants, and they can reflect on the outcomes and the effects of different approaches to problem solving that they and their peers used during the experience.
Use these two role plays to explore the interplay between population and the environment introduced in NOVA's "World in the Balance" program in classrooms, community organizations, faith-based organizations, and other settings.
WHO WILL TAKE THE HEAT?
Today, the U.S. is the biggest contributor to emissions that cause global warming. In a few short years, China is expected to assume that role. In this role play, students look at how these two countries might work together to address the problem of global warming.
U.S. government official
China government official
Environmentalist
Business leader
THE GROWING OF AMERICA
The U.S. population is aging and becoming more ethnically diverse. The birth rate is at an all-time low. However, America's population is expected to increase from 281 million in 2000 to 394 million or more in 2050, an increase driven primarily by immigration. In this role play, participants assume the role of a variety of groups to explore how immigration, an aging population, and the environment intersect, and what our future may look like.
Global environmental group
U.S. environmental group
Pro-immigration elderly advocacy group
Anti-immigration elderly advocacy group
These role plays were developed by Workable Peace. Visit www.workablepeace.org for more role plays where students can explore history and current events as they develop conflict-management skills.
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