Overview
In this activity, teams use hula hoops to build a structure in the shortest time possible.
Resources: Hula Hoops – 6 to 8 per team
Space Required: Can be indoors or outdoors. But, if you run it indoors make sure you have a flat surface.
Group Size: Flexible, but groups of 6 are optimal.
Total Time: 20 minutes
- 2 minutes to describe the activity
- 3 minutes planning time
- 10 minutes for implementation – 2 rounds of 5 minutes
- 5 minutes to debrief
Prerequisite: None
Set Up
- Give each team 6 hula hoops
- Make sure each team has space to work
Running the Activity
- Objective: Each team will need to make a geodesic structure out of 6 hula hoops in the shortest time possible.
- One hoop needs to be used as the base and one as the roof.
- Everyone team member must participant in holding a hoop.
- When a team thinks they are done, they must let go of the structure and it must stand for at least five seconds.
- No other resources may be used.
- If your teams are easily successful with 6 hoops, then try it with 8 per team.
Suggested Learning Outcomes
- Communication
- Planning
- Risk Awareness
- Strategy
- Engagement
Activity Guidance and Notes
This activity is high problem solving. It also requires the buy-in from all participants since holding more than one hoop per person is difficult. Use this if getting everyone “on the same page” has been a problem. Or, if you have a leader who likes to take things literally “into his own hands”. A flat surface is important. While this can be used outdoors, make sure you have a wind break or the participants will start to focus on the fairness of the weather instead of the activity. Add more hoops if 6 is too easy and make sure to look out for those whose voice is not being heard.
Review
Suggested questions to ask:
- How did your team start this activity…by jumping into action or planning?
- How important was planning?
- How many plans did you consider before moving into action?
- Was everyone’s input heard and acknowledged? Did you see or hear someone who was disregarded?
- When you are tackling a new project at work, what process do you have for gathering everyone’s ideas?
- What does it take to get people to go beyond understanding your vision and to be excited about it?
- Are there times when you need to step back and re-examine the big picture?
