What does it mean to be a team? This was the question that my fifth graders were posed with as we began to discuss collaboration in the classroom. Many of the students responses reflected an awareness of leadership, respect, encouragement, and comradery. Post- discussion, the students had the opportunity to practice being part of a team (and one with the very important task... Save Fred!)
The students got into groups of four and received the following materials: clear plastic cup, four paper clips, a gummy worm, and a gummy life saver. Immediately the students were engaged (and hungry!). I introduced the students to Fred (the gummy worm) and explained that while sailing along Fred's boat (the clear plastic cup) flipped and threw poor Fred overboard! Unfortunately, Fred's life jacket (the gummy life saver) was trapped under to boat, which was flipped upside down. The students were now responsible for saving Fred by getting his life jacket back on his body and returning him to the boat.
Seems easy, right? The students thought so, too, and then we told them the three rules. First, the goal is to SAVE Fred which means that one can not puncture him, poke, or hurt him! Second, Fred may not fall into the water (desk surface) more than one time. Third, participants may only use the paper clips to touch Fred, the lifejacket, and the boat. Touching anything with one's hands results in starting the activity over. Now how easy will it be to Save Fred?
As the students began to collaborate with their teammates to save Fred, the various discussions went in several directions. Many teams decided to strategize ways to save Fred, while others decided to take the trial and error route.
Seems easy, right? The students thought so, too, and then we told them the three rules. First, the goal is to SAVE Fred which means that one can not puncture him, poke, or hurt him! Second, Fred may not fall into the water (desk surface) more than one time. Third, participants may only use the paper clips to touch Fred, the lifejacket, and the boat. Touching anything with one's hands results in starting the activity over. Now how easy will it be to Save Fred?
As the students began to collaborate with their teammates to save Fred, the various discussions went in several directions. Many teams decided to strategize ways to save Fred, while others decided to take the trial and error route.
The groups were given ten minutes to save Fred and the majority were able to do so in the time limit. After the activity, the students came back for a whole group discussion. Each group shared their experience and how they learned to work together. Many groups shared that it took many ideas and tries to save Fred. Even more groups shared that they began to appreciate their teammates' ideas as the activity progressed and the activity got more frustrating. Despite frustration and failure, fifth grade saved Fred!
The consensus? Each group member was necessary to save Fred. What a great activity to experience the value and necessity for being a part of a team!
This activity was developed by Alice Parker, Kim Trefz, and Jillian Hinesley.
The consensus? Each group member was necessary to save Fred. What a great activity to experience the value and necessity for being a part of a team!
This activity was developed by Alice Parker, Kim Trefz, and Jillian Hinesley.