BRIGDE*

Focus on the important features of teamwork. The task focuses on cooperation and partnership. Creation of a common vision and mutual understanding among the partners.

TIME REQUIRED

60 minutes – action.

30 minutes – reflection.

RESOURCES

From 2 to 3 different rooms, depending on the number of groups (group size can vary from 5-8 people).

2 cardboard sheets, 6 sheets of A4, 1 sheet A3, 1 glue stick, 1 pair of scissors, 1 thread ball, 1 magazine, 2 markers, 1 pencil for each group.

ACTION

The group is divided into smaller groups. Each group receives materials (all groups receive same materials) and instructions.

Instructions:

Three teams are building a bridge. Each team must build one part of the bridge so that when three parts are combined, the bridge would be suitable for use, i.e. the thread ball must roll across the bridge. The teams can only use the given tools and materials for construction of the bridge.

Bridge parameters:

• The length of the bridge must be 9 cm, height – not shorter than a bottle;
• Bridge should be as creative as possible, be stable and aesthetic;

The bridge can only be built in one of the three venues where groups work.

Teams can communicate:

• Send letters – each team is required to send at least 6 letters (workshop leader works as a postal worker, letters can only be posted through them);
• During the meetings – one representative of each team will have the opportunity to meet in the preparatory meeting. The meeting has to take place in the venue where the bridge will be built. The meeting duration – 3 minutes. The participants are not allowed to bring parts of the bridge or a model to the meetings.

There are 50 minutes given for planning and preparation (including preparatory meetings). An additional 5 minutes are given for connecting the three parts of the bridge and finalizing the construction of the bridge.

DISCUSSION

How did you feel?

How did the group work go?

How did the communication and cooperation with partners go?

The conclusions, and recommendations for the future.

COMMENTS

If the groups have participants who already have experience of this task, we recommend asking them to take the role of observers, rather than participate in it. They could observe the task and once the task evaluation starts they will be asked what they have seen.

Task sheet for participants:

Three teams are building a bridge. Each team must build one part of the bridge so that when three parts are combined, the bridge would be suitable for use, i.e. the thread ball must roll across the bridge. The teams can only use the given tools and materials for construction of the bridge.

Bridge parameters:

• The length of the bridge must be 90 cm, height – not shorter than a bottle;
• Bridge should be as creative as possible, be stable and aesthetic;

The bridge can only be built in one of the three venues where groups work.

Teams can communicate:

• Send letters – each team is required to send at least 6 letters (workshop leader works as a postal worker, letters can only be posted through them);
• During the meetings – one representative of each team will have the opportunity to meet in the preparatory meeting. The meeting has to take place in the venue where the bridge will be built. The meeting duration – 3 minutes. The participants are not allowed to bring parts of the bridge or a model to the meetings.

There are 50 minutes given for planning and preparation (including preparatory meetings). An additional 5 minutes are given for connecting the three parts of the bridge and finalizing the construction of the bridge.