Summary: This game is played in small teams and is good for encouraging players to work together as a team. Variations can be used to examine the role of leaders.
Materials:
- String
- Rubber Bands
- Cups
Instructions:
- Before playing, make the “rubber band tools” for each team — each team should be made of four players. Make the rubber band tolls by tying four pieces of string to a rubber band. Each player should be able to hold a string and partial control the opening and closing of the rubber band (see photo).
- It’s usually easiest to explain the game by demonstration. Lay out six cups on the floor. Have a volunteer team of four take the four strings of the rubber band tool. The team should try to stack the cups into a tower using only the rubber band tool.
- After the demonstration, make teams of four and distribute supplies. Whichever team builds a tower first wins!
Variations:
- Designate one leader per team. All other team members must close their eyes. The leader should guide their team members to create the tower.
- As an added challenge, have teams make a tower without talking to each other.
Debrief Questions:
- Was this a hard game? What was hard about it?
- Did you and your teammates come up with a strategy? What was it?
- How do you be a good teammate in this game?
Activity Length: Long (>30 minutes)
Energy Level: Medium
Grade Level: 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th & Up
Group Size: Large (10+), Medium (5-9), Small (2-4)