Pitfall Pete

A Reading Adventure of Cause and Effect

Image retrieved 7/7/07 from http://www.activision.com

Cause and effect is the relationship between two things when one thing makes something else happen.

For example, if we eat too much food and do not exercise, we gain weight. Eating food without exercising is the "cause;" weight gain is the "effect."

Definition retrieved 7/7/07 from http://www.teachers.net/lessons/posts/2698.html

Cause & Effect

Introduction

Pitfall Pete is an adventurer. He enjoys nature and travels all over the world. Often, Pitfall Pete helps other people he meets on his journeys. Pete is in the mountains of Africa. He needs your help to locate civilization.

Start the Adventure

Scenario #1

Pitfall Pete cut his arm during his time in the mountains. He knows that there are aloe plants in the grasslands (savannah) to treat his cut, but in the distance Pete observes a waterfall. Which choice should Pete make?

Go to the waterfallGo to the savannah to find aloe

Waterfall

After a dangerous trip, Pete arrives at the waterfall and quenches his thirst, but now he must travel to the savannah to make his way to safety. Pete is still injured and is very weak. What should he do?

Go to the savannahStay the night

Tragedy

Pitfall Pete gets really weak from his cut and must end his adventure.

Game over. Try again.

Savannah

You find aloe and your cut is now healing.

Continue the adventure.

Scenario #2

Pitfall Pete is in the savannah and is very thirsty. The heat is a staggering 115F. Pete has two options. First, he can drink from a stagnant (still water) pool with insects and slime, or go further to an underground spring bubbling out of the ground. What should he do?

Drink the stagnant water from the poolTravel to the underground spring

Underground Spring

Excellent choice. The stagnant pool could contain dangerous bacteria which would make Pete very ill. The spring water is as pure and safe to drink as bottled water.

Continue the adventure.

Tragedy

Pete gets very sick from the water and cannot carry out his adventure.

Game over. Try again.

Scenario 3

Pete is traveling fast. He observes a river in one direction and a desert in the other direction. Which direction should he follow?

The river

The desert

Tragedy

The hot temperatures of the desert force Pete to quit his journey.

Game over. Try again.

The River

Smart move. Many people create towns or villages near the water. Pete carefully avoids the crocs and rhinos and travels down the river.

Continue the adventure

Scenario 4

Pete finds a road crossing the river. Should he stay with the river or travel the road.

Road

River

Tragedy

Pete gets lost after the river ends.

Game over. Try again

Mission Accomplished

Pete travels the road and finds a town. Pitfall Pete is now safe.

Try your own Pitfall Pete cause and effect.

Cause and Effect Bonus

Cause - Pitfall Pete creates a fire at night.

Effect (What does the fire do for Pete?)

Click and type your effect. Start HERE: