Bridges Exercise

Context

This afternoon is devoted to a group assignment, followed by a reflection in the whole group. The aim of these activities is to get better acquainted, and to build our awareness of teamwork and its skills at the same time. If you have questions, the Facilitators, are available to answer them.



Steps

TEAM ASSIGNMENT

Your group is assigned to build a bridge, using only the materials and tools provided. The bridge must satify the following criteria:

1. STRENGTH - The bridge must be able to carry a pair of scissors on top when spanning a gap (for instance, between two tables).

2. LENGTH - The longer the bridge, the more points are earned.

3. ARCHITECTURAL INGENUITY - Cleverness of the technical solutions.

4. BEAUTY - Visual attractiveness.One facilitator will measure criteria 1 and 2, strength and length. Criteria 3 and 4, architectural ingenuity and beauty, will be decided by voting among all of the participants. The team whose bridge receives the highest total score will win the competition.

PROCEDURE FOR THE ASSIGNMENT

Design and Planning Phase (15 minutes)

As a group, create a plan for the bridge you will construct, and a plan for how you will work on this project.

Construction Phase (60 minutes)

Create your bridge. If necessary, you may need to stop to revise your plans. Be sure to keep track of time.

Presentation of the Bridges (15 minutes)

The Facilitator will give notice when the time is up. Each team is then to present your completed bridge and introduce their team of builders. Pim will test the strength and measure the lenth. He will eliminate any bridge which does not meet the strength criterion.
Break / Exhibition / Voting (15 minutes)

During the coffee break, it will be possible to view all of the bridges. Everyone is asked to fill in a voting form for the bridge that has the most architectural ingenuity and for the bridge that is the most beautiful. You may not vote for your own bridge. The Facilitators will count the votes and determine the winning bridge.



Closing

TEAMWORK REFLECTION

When we gather back together in the plenary room after the coffee break, we will lead a group reflection about how the bridges were built, what the experience was of working as a team, and of course we will announce the winning bridge.

1. What were some of the activities of your team?

2. What were some of the feeling of the group?

3. How did you solve problems?

4. How did you analyze the problems?

5. How did you design the work?

6. What could you learn from this kind of exercise?



Notes

Each team in this exercise will need scissors, glue stick, a role of tape, a ball point pen, a ruler, a box of paper clips, 3 meters of knitting wool, 4 markers of different colors, and 15 sheets of heavy weight A4 paper. A prize is needed for the winner.