The Great Tower of Ducky

By Dan Costello -

This is a quick and easy teamwork game that emphasizes communication and problem-solving: build the tallest tower possible out of index cards. At the end of the time it needs to be able to support some object. 5 minutes, no talking. The really fun thing about this one is watching them plan, negotiate, and make decisions using gestures and facial expressions.

The mascot of this group is a stuffed duck named "Ducky Adorable". It seemed appropriate to have Ducky be the "object", hence the name, "The Great Tower of Ducky"! :-)

Objective: Build a tower out of index cards, making it as tall as possible. At the end of the time the tower needs to be able to support some (fairly light) object.

Equipment: Index cards, lightweight object, e.g. stuffed animal, small toy, kitchen utensil, etc.

Set-Up: Provide a stack of index cards and the lightweight object.

Directions: Using only the provided index cards, build the tallest possible tower that can support the object. The cards may be manipulated in any way desired (torn, folded, etc.) The group has five minutes. At the end of the time, the lightweight object will be placed on top of the tower.

Rules: No talking allowed. All other forms of nonverbal communication are permitted. No other materials may be used, just the index cards.

Variations: Have multiple teams compete against each other for height/amount of weight supported.

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