Capture the Flagella
Equipment list
Cones or markers (for "Egg Zone")
Tail tags or strips of fabric (representing sperm tails)
Coloured pinnies, sashes or tail tags tucked in waistbands (to identify roles: sperm or contraception)
Whistle or timer
Explanation
This active, experiential game helps students understand how contraception functions in the context of reproduction.
Game Setup:
Designate a central area as the "Egg Zone."
Assign students roles:
Sperm: Try to reach the Egg Zone.
Contraception: Try to stop the sperm.
The number of contraception players varies depending on the method's effectiveness (e.g., more players for highly effective methods like IUDs or implants, fewer for less effective methods like withdrawal).
Game Play – Contraception vs. Sperm:
Sperm try to run into the Egg Zone.
Contraceptive players either:
Form a protective ring around the zone, or
Run freely and try to remove the sperm’s tail tag before they reach the Egg Zone.
Once tagged, sperm return to the starting line.
Discuss which contraceptive method was being modeled and its success rate.
Reflexion
After each round, pause to reflect: What happened? What does it show?
Variations /
Add contraceptive combinations (e.g., condoms + hormonal methods).
Progression
Start with basic rounds (Sperm vs. Contraception).
Introduce varying levels of contraception effectiveness.
Conclude with a discussion or written reflection connecting game play to real-life applications.
Participant feedback
Students were highly engaged and demonstrated increased understanding of how contraception works. Many appreciated the active, game-based learning approach and reported remembering the learning points well after the activity.
ASK ID 2025-09-02-001-E