15 people
Team Building Activity Plan:
Activity Name and Overview:- Name: Bridge Builders- Overview: In this activity, teams will compete to design and build a bridge using limited resources. The bridge must hold a certain amount of weight and span a specified distance. This activity encourages creativity, teamwork, engineering skills, and resource management.
Required Materials/Setup:- String, tape, and rubber bands.- Building materials: popsicle sticks, straws, cardboard, paper cups.- Weights for testing (could be anything from bags of sand to water bottles).- Measuring tape to ensure the bridge spans the required distance.- Open space or a large room with a gap marked for bridge construction.- Tables for workspaces.
Step-by-Step Instructions:- Step 1: Divide the group into three teams of five members each.- Step 2: Assign each team a workstation and distribute an equal amount of building materials.- Step 3: Set the challenge rules: bridges must span a 2-foot gap and hold a weight of at least 5 pounds.- Step 4: Give teams 60 minutes to plan and construct their bridge.- Step 5: Test each bridge by placing increasing weights until the bridge fails. The team whose bridge holds the most weight wins.- Step 6: Wrap up by having a debriefing session.
Facilitation Tips:- Encourage teams to brainstorm and plan before building.- Walk around and engage with teams, asking probing questions to stimulate thinking.- Keep time and give periodic reminders of how much time is left.- Ensure that all team members are contributing to the discussion and construction.
Expected Outcomes:- Enhanced cooperation and communication within the team.- Improved problem-solving and innovation skills.- Understanding of basic engineering principles.
Variations/Modifications:- For larger teams, increase the complexity of the bridge requirements (e.g., longer span or more weight).- Adjust the materials provided to increase difficulty or streamline the building process.- Introduce limitations such as "no talking" or "blindfolded building" for added challenge.
Debrief Questions:- What strategies did your team use to design and build the bridge?- How did the team decide to allocate tasks?- What would you do differently if given another chance?- How did this activity help in understanding the team's dynamics?
Safety Considerations:- Ensure that the space is clear of any tripping hazards.- During the testing phase, make sure everyone stands back to avoid accidents in case of structural failure.- Check that all materials used are safe and non-toxic.
This comprehensive activity not only ensures a fun and challenging environment but also highlights the importance of teamwork and thoughtful planning.
