Tallest Tower Teamwork Activity, with LEGO Bricks

Created Sept. 9, 2024 by Ms. G

Summary


Towers of LEGO bricks made by students as part of teamwork activity.

Sample ResultsTowers of LEGO bricks made by students as part of teamwork activity.

Photo showing 5 different towers made out of LEGO bricks, on display side by side. Each tower varies in height and construction because each was made by a different group of students as part of a teamwork activity.

Small teams build towers out of LEGO bricks -- with some caveats to challenge their teamwork &/or creativity.

Setup


Groups

  • 2-5 individuals per group
  • randomly assigned or deliberately mixed (mix of learning styles, or mix those who don't usually work together)

Materials

  • A nearly-identical collection of misc. LEGO bricks for each group (about 70 bricks of various sizes, see *** for an example "mini-kit")
  • Ample, clear, stable desktop or tabletop space for each group
  • Timer (with alarm/buzzer/bell) or highly visible clock
  • Optional: a large, flat tray (cookie sheet or cafeteria tray or box lid) for each group, to contain LEGO pieces while working, to avoid spills/loss

Time

  • ~15 minutes total, minimum
  • Add 10 minutes for each repeat with variations
  • Reserve 5 minutes for debrief and cleanup

Procedure/Directions

  1. Do not start building until given the "lego" signal.
  2. You will be given a limited time ([__] minutes) to build, you must stop building when given the "stop" signal.
  3. Your objective is to build the tallest free-standing tower possible.
  4. Everyone in your group must participate.
  5. You must use only the LEGO pieces you are given. (may not share/trade/give/steal)
  6. If your tower falls, you may start over, but you will not be given extra time.
  7. The only other rule(s) you must follow is(are)...
    [choose one or more of the Rule Variations below]
  8. Wiggle your fingers in the air to show you are ready to build. Ready...set...LEGO!
  9. [Give 5-10 minutes for each building activity.]

Rule Variations

  • Each of you must take turns adding bricks to the tower; 1 brick per person per turn. No touching bricks when it is not your turn.
  • You may not talk.
  • Each of you must keep one hand behind your back at all times.
  • One person in the group may not touch the LEGO pieces, and the others may not talk.
    [or vice-versa][Teacher/facilitator decides who; pick the most grabby one of the group.]
  • If your tower falls over, you will automatically lose. Build so your tower doesn't fall over!
  • If anyone drops a piece (or knocks a piece so that it falls), that piece must be removed ("out of play") for the rest of the activity.
  • You will have only 1 minute to build.
  • You are allowed to share pieces. [Say no more. This could potentially result in the whole class building one large tower together, but don't give away that option.]

Closure, Debrief

  • We're going to reflect on this activity now. Let's keep our comments positive, please. The point of this activity was to have fun and learn about teamwork.
  • Look around at other towers. What do you notice?
  • Those who made the tallest tower: What was your strategy?
  • Did anyone see or hear any creative ideas?
  • Did anyone see or hear great examples of teamwork?
  • What were the hard parts of this activity?
  • Thinking back on what you did, how could you have been a better teammate? Share these thoughts with your group.
  • Please put the LEGO sets back in order, and check the area for lost pieces. Thank you!

Awards?

  • Give awards/recognition for:
    • tallest tower
    • best teamwork
    • most perseverance
    • most creative, etc.
  • Make simple little LEGO "trophies" or "plaques" for awards.
  • Take photos of each group with their tower &/or awards.
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