Pipe Cleaner Challenge

Last week we took on the Pipe Cleaner Challenge during class. This was a fun, inexpensive way to introduce the students to STEM learning. They were paired with new partners and faced an added challenge of working with someone they were not familiar with. Prior to coming to class I grouped 15 pipe cleaners per team by wrapping a pipe cleaner around a bundle of 14. I assigned roles to the students based on common birthday months. Once grouped, I explained the challenge to the class. Their challenge was to build the highest, free-standing tower using only pipe cleaners. I then handed out a packet of rules and questions for them to complete during and after they build. The students then got to work! As the groups were constructing their towers, I added in a few obstacles to overcome. After the first 5 minutes I called "freeze". I explained that their company underwent budget cuts and they lost resources. Each team member had to put one arm behind their back and continue to build. This lasted about 3 minutes. I then informed them that their company relocated to a new country. They regained their resources (their arm), however, they could not speak the same language. Now they had to work in silence! After about 5 minutes of silence, I let them know a translator was hired and they could communicate verbally again. As I walked around the classes, I saw students learning to depend on team members and try to communicate without speaking. I believe they are starting to understand the importance of teamwork!