Spatial Requirements: Regular classroom setup: little or no space required
Activity Type: Movement/group
Grades: 3-12
Group Size: 4 or more
Time: 10 minutes

Introduction: Sometimes jumping hurdles can be easier if you have others to help and support you.  This activity is designed to help students understand the value of plugging in and/or working as a group when solving problems. It also helps illustrate the advantage of having a clearly defined goal – or finish line – when attempting to jump hurdles. This activity can also be applied to “Plugging In.”

Materials:

• 6 straight, equal-sized objects (straws, toothpicks, pencils, skewers, pipe cleaners, etc.) per person
  
  

Activity: 

Give each person six objects of equal length that can be used to make triangles. Instruct them that they are to use all six sticks to form a shape that has eight triangles.  They are not allowed to bend or break the sticks. Do not tell them that the final answer is a Star of David (one triangle on top of the other, one pointing up and the other pointing down).  Have the students work for a while by themselves, trying to solve the problem on their own.  Then, after a few minutes, divide the students into groups and allow them to brainstorm together. 

If they haven’t solved the puzzle after a few minutes, give them the hint that the solution is in the shape of a kind of star.

Processing the Experience: 

• How easy was it to solve the problem by yourself?
• Were any of you able to solve it once you worked in groups?
• What made it easier to solve as a group?
• When we have a problem or hurdle, why is it easier to have the help and support of others?
• Where can we turn to get the help and support we need in life?