Activity 3

Physical Challenges

Try these problem-solving challenges out with your class!

Spider Web: Using a frame or two trees, build a giant spider web using bungee cords or string, blocking safe passage through the space. Start on one side and, one at a time, get to the other side of the web by crawling, climbing or passing your teammates through each hole! Lose points or start again if you touch the web. The key here is great communication and leadership skills.

Ball Maze: In groups of 4 with one team member holding each corner of a large flat sheet, navigate a ball between slashes or holes in the sheet to reach a central scoring zone. Compete with other teams or against a timer to increase the challenge!

Bucket Balance: In teams of 4, lay on the floor with legs up in the air and all feet together. Balance a bucket filled with light balls on the bottom of your feet. In turn, each person must remove each of their shoes without upsetting the bucket. How fast can you complete the task?

Physical Challenges

Try these problem-solving challenges out with your class!

Through the Hoop: Stand in a circle and join hands. Insert a hula hoop into the circle so two people are holding hands through it. Pass the hula hoop around the circle without breaking contact. Challenge another group by seeing which team can pass the hoop round in the fastest time!

Steal the Treasure: Divide into 4 groups and stand in the corners of a large space with a bucket for each team. In the middle of the room, place a large amount of small balls. Start a countdown clock and challenge each team to send each team member (one at a time) to go and collect a ball from the middle and place it in the team bucket. They cannot use their hands! The team with the most balls at the buzzer wins.

Human Knot: In a group of up to 8, stand in a circle, close your eyes and hold someone else’s hand (not the person next to you). Do the same with your other hand. Open your eyes and try to undo the knot you’ve created without dropping hands! Think about how you might need to move your body and direct others.

Physical Challenges