Interdependence of the Universe is an impressionistic lesson that reminds us how lucky we are to exist. Our existence is contingent on so much, and the chances that everything worked out the way it did is astronomically small. This lesson introduces how we would not have a solar system without the Sun. Next, we must appreciate that we have a planet called Earth, which would not exist without the Sun. Air, water, and land provide places for life to thrive on Earth. However, air, water, and land would not be here without the Earth, and the Earth would not be here without the Sun. Because of air, water, and land, animals and plants exist on Earth, which depends on the Sun. Finally, we get to humans, which depend on plants and animals which couldn't live without wind, water, and land, which are components of the Earth that would not exist if we didn't have the Sun.

In this lesson, the students will play a game showing humans depend on everything in the universe. Intrinsic elements of this game are teamwork, cooperation, and communication as they try and convert energy from the Sun all the way down to the creation of humans (with lots of steps in-between).

Materials: 

·      A large playing area (gym or field)

·      A basketball or soccer ball (or a ball about that size)

·      Some type of large net or blanket that can be spread apart and used for catching

·      Many dodgeballs or smaller, easily catchable balls

·      Lots of tennis balls

·      A large container or bag (a small student can lift and maneuver) is used to catch tennis balls.

·      Rubber disc dots or cones to help with student placement

Prior Knowledge: The students should have had the lesson on the interdependence of the universe. However, this game can be used to preview the lesson if preferred.

Age: Lower elementary, possibly upper elementary as well