Broken Circles

This activity is designed to explore how working in groups can be more or less successful.

Instructions

The class will divide into groups of six (6) students. Each of you will be given an envelope with 2-3 pieces of a circle. The goal of this exercise is to put these pieces together in such a way that each member of your group ends up with a complete circle. However, there are a few additional rules to keep things fun:

  1. This exercise must be done in complete silence. No talking is permitted.
  2. You may not point or signal to other players with your hands in any way.
  3. Each player must put together their own circle. No one else may show a player how to assemble their circle or do it for them.
  4. This is an exercise in giving. You may not take a piece from another player, but you may give your pieces—one at a time—to any other member of your group, and members of your group may give pieces to you. As per the previous rule, you may not place a piece in another person’s puzzle; players must complete their own puzzle. Instead, you are expected to hand the piece to the other player.

Getting Started

Now that you know the rules, let’s get started! Take the pieces out of your envelope and place them in front of you. Remember, this is a group task. The activity is not completed until everyone in your group has a completed circle in front of them.

You have 10-minutes to make your circles. When your group has finished, raise your hand. If you have time remaining, I may ask you to find another way to put the pieces together to form different circles.

Discussion

  • What do you think this game was about? What was its purpose?
  • What did your group did that made you cooperate more successfully?
  • What did your group did that made cooperation harder?
  • What are some behaviors that could be implemented in the future to make cooperation easier?