Sneak-A-Peek
Suggested Age Group(s): Middle, Teen
Purpose: To work as a team to complete a difficult task
Task/need: Group building, group structure
Activity Setup Ideas: Communication is a key element when working with others on a group project. This is especially true on a construction project. The architect draws up the plans which the foreman must interpret, understand, and communicate with his/her workers so they know what they must do to complete the building. This activity is a small version of a construction site, and just as much communication and teamwork are needed from all those involved.
Materials:
- Building blocks or something similar (i.e., Lego's, popsicle sticks, etc.)
Description: Build a small sculpture or design with some of the building material and hide it from the group. Divide the group into small teams of 2-5 members each. Give each team enough building materials so that they can duplicate what you have already created.
Place the original structure in a place that is hidden but equal distance to all groups. Ask one group member from each team to come at the same time to look at the sculpture for five seconds in order to try to memorize it as much as possible before returning to his/her respective teams.
After they run back to their teams, they have 30 seconds to instruct their teammates on how to build the structure so that it looks like the one that has been hidden. After 30 seconds, ask each team to send up another member of their group who gets a chance to ‘sneak a peek’ before returning to their individual teams. Continue in this pattern until one of the teams successfully duplicates the original sculpture.
Activity Wrap Up Ideas: Discuss the building process: What parts of this activity involved teamwork? What did each person do in your group? Why is teamwork important when working with a group? What are some important elements in teamwork? How can being good at teamwork help you in your daily life?
