Today we are playing a game called Baldicer. It is slightly modified from the original form, but it works the same way. The focus of our simulation is show how imbalance of wealth can be unhealthy for the economy as a whole.
You will receive a packet that includes the student rules of the simulation, and a tally sheet that will allow you to keep track of the Baldicers that you've earned thus far. I have also attached them below, in case of emergency.
1. To start the game, you will partner with another person. This time I am letting you choose your own partners. Don't make me regret this decision.
2. After you have received your packet you will need to draw a blue card. This card represents how many Baldicers you will start with. The number that you have should be written on line 13 of YEAR 1 only. Do not share this number with anyone initially. Please return the card to the teacher after you've written your number down.
3. When going through the work phase of the game, you must write "dig, sweat, push, pull". You must spell it correctly, it must have correct grammar (the commas in the the right spots), and must be legible. You must finish the line for it to count as a Baldicer. You and your partner with both do the work phase (write the phrase) and you may take the highest score between the two of you.
4. You might want to have a calculator around to help with some of the math.
5. If you are going to be short at the end of a round, and you can see if coming, YOU MAY WORK A DEAL WITH OTHERS IN THE SIMULATION to borrow Baldicer from them. You will likely need to pay them back, but at least you might be able to stay in the game. If you are loaning Baldicer out, remember that you will likely need to make money out of the deal so you will likely want to require the person to pay back more than they borrowed (this is called interest). Example: Groucho borrows 2 Baldicer from Daniel, and has to pay Daniel 3 Baldicer in the next round.
5a. You may hire people to do the work for you, or to work with you to increase the amount of Baldicer you make. Remember, we live in a world with the 13th Amendment, no slavery. If you are hired to work for someone else, the Baldicer you earn in the work phase will be transferred to your employer. You cannot claim it. You can only have the Baldicer that your employer has agreed to pay you for your work.
6. You may by food machines and super food machines at step 19 of each round. It will not increase the amount of Baldicers you have in that round, but it does apply to the next round. If you buy more than one food machines, refer to the following chart for what to multiply by.
1 food machine x 5
2 food machines x 10
3 food machines x 15
4 food machines x 20
5 food machines x 25
6 food machines x 30
1 super food machine x 50
2 super food machines x 100
3 super food machines x 150
4 super food machines x 200
1 food machine and 1 super food machine x 55
2 food machines and 1 super food machine x 60
(You get the picture)
7. ***New rule, not in the packet. You may resell food machines to other simulation participants. However, remember that you are trying to make money, so you will want to sell it for as much as someone is willing to pay. Don't let them get away cheap.
*******A resold food machine now is ONLY x 2.5 and a super food machine is only x 25
-----8. If you are below 0 Baldicer after step 20 in any round, you have gone bankrupt and are now out of the game. You must look below and follow the following steps.-----
If you are eliminated, here is your activity to be worked on in partners
1. Answer the following questions in an email to Mr. Rude. Take some time to put some thought and effort into your responses. They will be graded. REMEMBER TO PUT YOUR BLOCK NUMBER!!!!
a. Why do you think you were knocked out of the simulation and do you feel that you had a fair chance to survive until the end of the game? If so, why? If not, why? Please explain.
b. Given the situation that you were put in, what would need to have happened in order for you to stay in the game?
c. How do you think this relates to what happened during the end of the Guilded Age, and how might it need to be fixed?
2. After you have answered these questions, and submitted them, complete the following task. Keep in mind that when your workers don't have money, their families don't eat. Also remember, on a larger sense, that the world depends on each other. Without trade and working together many will go starving.
Using the world hunger PDF below, create a poster that addresses one or two of the facts that you feel strongly about. Bring attention to the world the fact that many are hungry, and the reasons why that MIGHT be.
3. If you finish these tasks, you may create a protest poster about how you were eliminated from the game.