Marble Challenge
20 minutes
1 Set Available in the HRD Library
Details
-Includes 8 cups, 26 tubes, and 32 marbles
-Activity takes 20 minutes
-Teambuilding activity followed by discussion
Reservation Instructions
Contact 801-422-5884 or email wellness@byu.edu
Activity Instructions
Divide into two teams. You have 5 marbles that you need to transport to the other side of the gym. Only one person can touch the marbles with their hands, but they can’t move their feet while touching the marble – and each marble can be touched only once. The other tools that you have are these sections of PVC pipe. Each team member must be involved in moving the marble from one side to the other. When you or your pipe are in possession of the marble, you cannot move your feet.
Round 1: We are going to see which team is able to move the marbles to the other side first. If your marble hits the floor or a hand, you have to start back at the beginning with that marble. There is one catch . . . you are not allowed to talk to one another. Any questions? Speed is the key. Ready go!
Round 2: Nice job. We are going to try this again. This time, I am going to allow you to take a few minutes to plan what you are going to do. You will also have to do a couple of things on the way. You will have to go around those chairs and this time there will be 10 marbles.
Activity Debrief
What was the difference between the first time and the second time?
What role did communication play in making this task easier/harder?
Who took control or was the leader of your group? Why?
How did this stretch your potential? What did it require you to learn or to change in order to successfully transport the marbles?
What role does competition play in this? Did it affect your outcome for the better/worse?
How did you feel when you got a marble near completion and it fell? Does that ever happen?
What about the obstacles? How did that change things? Do you have any obstacle in working with each other?
What advice would you give to others doing this exercise?
Any other thoughts about this or about stretching your potential?
Suggested Use
To help teams improve communication and collaboration