Activity
Split the group into smaller groups of 3-7 people. Group members must work together to construct a tower from the materials provided that is as high and stable as possible. The object is to build a tower that can support a cup of water at its peak. The tower must be both stable and strong, and be built as tall as possible.
However, in addition, each student is randomly assigned (or sensitively ascribed) a ‘barrier to inclusion’. Barriers may include, but are not limited to:
- Vocal: you cannot use your voice
- Mobility: you must be seated in the same position
- Use of hands: one or both of your hands cannot be used
- Stability: you must leave your group half way through to join another group
- Auditory: you cannot hear (use ear defenders or headphones with whitenoise)
- Steps: you must operate from a seated position on the floor (movement is ok)
- Visual: you cannot use your full eyesight (wear a blind fold or glasses that obscure vision)
- Immobility: you must keep moving throughout activity
You will need: Sellotape/masking tape, newspaper, scissors, cups, water (or marbles).
Students have just 10 minutes (timings can vary according to group needs) to construct the tower, each operating within the means of the barriers to inclusion. To test the strength and stability of each of the group’s towers, the facilitator will place a cup of water at the top to see if it balances. If it balances unsupported, the facilitator can then test the tower’s stability by giving the table a gentle nudge. Students that don’t want to get wet should stand back! Or marbles may be used in place of water.