EDUCATION PROGRAMS

COWS, FISH, CATTLE DOGS, AND KIDS GAME SHOW
A fun, interactive Game Show about environmental decision-making
Proudly presented by the Saskatchewan Prairie Conservation Action Plan
 
Cows, Fish, Cattle Dogs and Kids!!! is a fun and educational Game Show about riparian areas for students in grades 3 to 6. Riparian areas are the transition zones between land and water bodies such as streams, lakes, potholes, springs and coulees. Riparian areas are extremely productive places that influence water quality and provide important wildlife habitat and recreational opportunities. The Game Show teaches students about riparian areas and decision-making related to ranch management and cows. It also illustrates how ranchers, farmers, and urban dwellers need to work cooperatively to maintain these important "green zones".
 

BACKGROUND
The Cows, Fish, Cattle Dogs and Kids Game Show was developed by environmental educators in Alberta and has been adapted for use in Saskatchewan. The Game Show was designed for use at schools, Agri-Ed events, and other events. It was launched at Agri-Ed in Regina in 1998 and has become a regular feature at Agri-Ed Showcases at Western Canadian Agribition in Regina and Fall Fair in Saskatoon. Rave reviews have been received from teachers and hosting organizations about its effectiveness in promoting environmental stewardship to youth audiences. Students enjoy the interactive learning process and fun learning environment.
 

PLAYING THE GAME

Cows, Fish, Cattle Dogs and Kids! works best with two to four classes (~75 - 125 students) since audience participation and cooperative decision-making are key elements of this game show. The audience is divided into 2 teams of cattle dogs - who are, as we all know, the smartest animals on the ranch. "Rowdie Roadie" provides the audience with instruction on team cheers and other cues. The gameshow host provides additional information on the rules of the game, including the six question categories (Cows, Fish, Wildlife, Vegetation, Water, and Mother Nature & You) which correspond to the sides of a large foam die. A huge game board depicts a riparian area complete with a meandering stream and surrounding pastureland, farmland, and a city. Cattle Dog teams are required to moooove their cow along the stream and back to the ranch by rolling the die and correctly answering skill testing questions from the question categories. The first team that mooooves their cow back to the ranch, while maintaining a healthy riparian area, wins. Little to no preparation is necessary and teachers are encouraged to simply enjoy the show and learn along with their students.
 

Sample Questions
??? COWS ???
 
Cows that are not managed in the "green zone" can harm fish because:

a) they eat them
b) they walk on them
c) they damage fish habitat by eroding the river banks
 
??? VEGETATION ???
 
Vegetation or plants act like ??? for a stream bank??

a) glue
b) dynamite
c)sandpaper
 
??? WATER ???
 
Cultivating land and planting crops right down to the edge of a stream keeps the water in the stream clean?
True or False?
 
 

DELIVERY
The Cows, Fish, Cattle Dogs and Kids Game Show is delivered in Saskatchewan through the Saskatchewan Prairie Conservation Action Plan (PCAP). The Game Show is delivered annually in November at Agri-Ed events, such as Fall Fair in Saskatoon and Agribition in Regina. Approximately 11,275 students have participated in the Game Show at Agri-Ed and other events since 1998 when it was launched at Agribition.
 
The Game Show is also a component of the Owls and Cows Tour and the Eco-Extravaganza (Eco-X). These outreach programs visit elementary schools in target areas across the Prairie Ecozone. The Owls and Cows Tour features the Game Show and the Saskatchewan Burrowing Owl Interpretive Centre's Owls On Tour program, while the Eco-X features these two programs plus additional activities delivered by other Eco-X Partners.
 

THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS!
 

FOR MORE INFORMATION
The PCAP has a limited amount of funding to host visits of the Cows, Fish, Cattle Dogs and Kids Game Show to schools and community events in prairie Saskatchewan. Thanks to our generous sponsors for their support of our stewardship education programs for youth audiences!!! For more information and to find out when the Game Show will be in your area, please contact:
 
Prairie Conservation Action Plan
Box 4752, REGINA SK S4P 3Y4
ph: (306) 352-0472
fax (306) 569-8799
e-mail: pcap@sasktel.net