| Overview
In this Authentic Learning Task (ALT), you work in teams to construct
containers designed to hold an egg. The containers must be sturdy
enough that the eggs will not break when the container is dropped
from a height of 10 feet.
At first glance, the apparent purpose of this exercise is for each
team to build a vessel reliable enough to prevent an egg from breaking.
However, the actual goal of this activity is to introduce you to
the basics of the forming and storming
stages of team development. Among the forming topics that
this activity addresses are roles, goals, diversity, and group size.
Storming topics include tension, power, conflict, and climate.
After completing this ALT, you should be able to demonstrate the
following competencies:
- Name the four stages of team development (Comp. 1).
- Identify the elements of each team development stage (Comp.
2).
- Evaluate team performance based on team principles (Comp. 3).
Materials and Equipment
No materials or equipment are needed to complete this ALT.
Safety and Disposal
Wash hands thoroughly after handling raw eggs to avoid accidental
ingestion of bacteria such as salmonella.
Pre-Activity
To prepare for the activity:
- Read Information Sheet: Stages of Team Development in your Teamwork
Participant Journal.
- Complete a Jung Typology test to see the type of role you typically
assume when you work in a team. To access the test, click here.
- Read the rules for brainstorming ideas in a team. Click here
to access the rules.
Activity
In your team, perform the following steps to complete the activity:
- Your facilitator will distribute identical materials to each
team.
- Keep in mind that the goal of the activity is to build a container
that will keep an egg from breaking when dropped from a height
of at least 10 feet. The egg, when removed from the container,
must be unbroken.
- Complete Instruction Sheet: The Egg Drop in your Teamwork
Participant Journal. Your team has 45 minutes to build its container
and you may ask no questions about this task.
- After 45 minutes, test your container.
- Complete Data Sheet: The Egg Drop immediately after all teams
have completed their test drops.
Post-Activity
Your team should now post all of its results recorded on Data Sheet:
The Egg Drop to the discussion board.
Assignment
To prepare for ALT #2: The Egg Drop Auction, read about idea generation
(brainstorming) and decision making within teams in the text of
your choice.
Assessment
Your facilitator may use Assessment Sheet: Egg Drop to evaluate
your results from the activity and your posting to the Discussion
Board. |
