Cup Tower Challenge

Topic: Teamwork

Empowerment Lesson Video: Importance of Teamwork

Supplies:

10 red plastic cups per group
2 straws per person
1-2 feet of string per person
Rubber band, one per person
Cup Tower Challenge Instructions, to be read aloud
BONUS ROUND: 1 lego figure per team

Video Discussion:

Introduce the topic of teamwork.

Ask, “What teams have you been on or are aware of in the community?”

Invite students to share examples of teams they’ve been members of or are aware of – in sports, school, their community, and so on.

After watching the video Importance of Teamwork, ask some or all of the following questions to review the video content:

What is something you learned about teamwork that you didn’t know before?
What can you add to our understanding of teamwork that wasn’t in the video?
What are the qualities of a good team member?
How can understanding differences help a team be more successful?
Why is it important for each person to do his or her part on a team?

Activity Instructions:

In this activity, you’ll work as a team to move a cup pyramid without touching the cups. Using materials like straws, string, and rubber bands, you’ll brainstorm a plan and test different strategies to complete the challenge. Get ready to think creatively, problem-solve, and collaborate with your teammates!

Instructor Notes: Divide the students into groups of 3 or 4. Ensure each group has a hard surface for this activity and is seated separately from other groups. Then, pass out the required materials.

Use your cups to build a cup pyramid.
Without touching the cups, your team must come up with a plan to move them at least 6 inches. You can use any of the materials distributed by your teacher including the straws, string, and rubber bands.
Once you’ve made a plan, try it out. If your cup pyramid falls, don’t worry, just try a different idea!
Once you’ve tried a few ideas, be prepared to answer the following questions during a class discussion:
- Which idea(s) worked well?
- Which ideas didn’t work? Why?
- How did your team work well together? What could have gone better?
Bonus round: Try moving your cup pyramid with the Lego figure standing on top.