Pumping Iron is a station-based game meant to illustrate the movement of dust throughout different parts of the Earth system and the effects on the climate when iron-rich dust settles into the ocean and stimulates phytoplankton growth, which then leads to the drawdown of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through photosynthesis. In this game, players collect nutrients that phytoplankton need to live as they follow the dust moving throughout the Earth system - the player with the most nutrients wins!
This learning activity takes 15 minutes.
Learn more about Teaching Climate Literacy and Energy Awareness»
Middle School
Disciplinary Core Ideas: 11
Earth and Space Sciences:
Life Sciences:
MS-ESS3.D: Global Climate Change
MS-ESS3: Earth and Human Activity
MS-LS1.C1: Plants, algae (including phytoplankton), and many microorganisms use the energy from light to make sugars (food) from carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and water through the process of photosynthesis, which also releases oxygen. These sugars can be used immediately or stored for growth or later use.
MS-LS1.C: Organization for Matter and Energy Flow in Organisms
MS-LS1: From Molecules to Organisms: Structures and Processes
MS-LS2.A3: Growth of organisms and population increases are limited by access to resources.
MS-LS2.A: Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems
MS-LS2: Ecosystems: Interactions, Energy, and Dynamics
Middle School:
Cross Cutting Concepts: 2
Cause and effect
MS-C2: Cause and effect
Middle School:
Science and Engineering Practices: 3
Developing and Using Models, Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information
MS-P2: Developing and Using Models
MS-P8: Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information
Middle School:
High School
Disciplinary Core Ideas: 11
Earth and Space Sciences:
HS-ESS3 : Earth and Human Activity
HS-ESS3.D: Global Climate Change
HS-LS1.C1: The process of photosynthesis converts light energy to stored chemical energy by converting carbon dioxide plus water into sugars plus released oxygen.
HS-LS1.C: Organization for Matter and Energy Flow in Organisms
HS-LS1: From Molecules to Organisms: Structures and Processes
HS-LS2.B3: Photosynthesis and cellular respiration are important components of the carbon cycle, in which carbon is exchanged among the biosphere, atmosphere, oceans, and geosphere through chemical, physical, geological, and biological processes.
HS-LS2.B: Cycles of Matter and Energy Transfer in Ecosystems
HS-LS2: Ecosystems: Interactions, Energy, and Dynamics
High School:
Life Sciences:
Cross Cutting Concepts: 2
Cause and effect
HS-C2: Cause and effect
High School:
Science and Engineering Practices: 3
Developing and Using Models, Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information
HS-P2: Developing and Using Models
HS-P8: Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information
High School:
Grade Level
Online Readiness
Climate Literacy
This Activity builds on the following concepts of Climate Literacy.
Click a topic below for supporting information, teaching ideas, and sample activities.
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Teaching Tips | Science | Pedagogy |
Technical Details
Teaching Tips
- Consider introducing the "science facts" included in the educator's guide before playing the game. Alternatively, encourage students to ask questions about the cycle and it's relationship to global climate as the game is played.
- Connecting the dots from this activity to climate change and other nutrient cycles will help to create a deeper and more significant learning experience for students.
About the Content
- This activity introduces students to concepts in nutrient-limitation, and specifically how iron in dust moves through the atmosphere and water cycle to effect phytoplankton growth and the global climate.
- Students become familiar with how an irregular distribution of nutrients in the ocean can contribute to a spatial and temporal cycle of phytoplankton blooms. Educators should be careful to explain the difference in effect between eutrophication in shallow estuaries versus blown dust in deep ocean waters.
- Passed initial science review - expert science review pending.
About the Pedagogy
- The game is designed for 4-8 people, so may act more as a demonstration for the class rather than an activity everyone can take part in.
- The game would have significant value if it were included in a unit focused on nutrient cycles, climate change, and the relation between biotic and abiotic systems.
- A teacher's guide is included with suggestions on how set up the stations and run the activity smoothly. The guide also includes additional information that adds context to the activity.
Technical Details/Ease of Use
- This game is simple to set up and can be run and reset in less than 10 minutes. Educators are advised to allow up to 8 students play at a time.
- The set-up for this game is extensive and will likely take teachers about an hour.
See how this Activity supports the Next Generation Science Standards»
