BUILDING TOGETHER
The Building Together activity encourages teams to work together to design and develop a structure using collaboration and teamwork. The goal is for the team to build the tallest freestanding tower with the limited materials provided. Take risks, be creative, and try new things!
Source: Source: http://marshmallowchallenge.com
What to do
- In groups of four, each team will be asked to build a structure using basic materials (see resource list).
- You have 15 minutes to build the tallest freestanding structure with only the materials provided.
- Once 15 minutes have elapsed, all teams must not touch their structures. The facilitator will measure each tower and record the highest height.
- The winner of the activity is the team with the tallest freestanding structure at the point of final measurement.
- Optional: Try completing the activity again with team members playing a role they don’t normally play – e.g., if they tend to lead, they should instead try sitting back and waiting for instruction, and if they tend to wait for instruction, they should instead try taking the lead.
Debrief
(following the activity)
This activity encourages critical thinking by asking team members to work together in a short period of time while using limited supplies. Teams must demonstrate quick decision-making, execute a plan, and show resilience in the face of challenges and frustrations. This has a strong parallel to teams in health care who must also work together and demonstrate resilience in the face of challenges.
After the winning team is announced, ask participants these questions:
- What was the hardest part of this activity?
- What was the easiest part of this activity?
- What did you learn?
- What would you do differently if you had a chance to rebuild the tower?
- What lessons from this activity can we apply to our work?