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Lesson 5 - Creative Problem Solving

Trust & Creative Challenges

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Year 5

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Outdoor Adventurous Activities

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Big Question

How can creative thinking and teamwork help us overcome challenges that seem impossible?

Learning Objectives

Develop creative problem-solving skills through engineering challenges
Build trust and cooperation through physical trust activities
Apply imagination and ingenuity to complete complex tasks

Key Outcomes

Students will create innovative structures using limited materials
Students will demonstrate trust and support for teammates
Students will reflect on different teamwork strategies

Equipment & Resources Required

Softballs

8-10

Distribute evenly along playing area sides

Alternative: Bean bags, tennis balls, foam balls

Uncooked Spaghetti

6 bags

One bag per team of 3 students

Alternative: Wooden skewers, drinking straws

Marshmallows

6 bags (50 per bag)

One bag per team, check for allergies

Alternative: Play dough, small soft balls, grapes

Gym Mats

Spread around hall for team workspaces

Alternative: Marked floor areas, table space

Measuring Tapes

For measuring tower heights accurately

Alternative: Rulers, metre sticks

Key Vocabulary

Engineering

Using science and maths to design and build structures

Trust

Believing someone will keep you safe and support you

Stability

How well a structure stays upright and doesn't fall over

Collaboration

Working together effectively to achieve a shared goal

Innovation

Creating new and original ideas or solutions

Skill Progression Pathway

Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going

Prior Learning

Basic teamwork and communication skills
Understanding of safety in physical activities
Experience with simple problem-solving tasks

Current Skills

Creative engineering and design thinking
Trust-building through physical challenges
Collaborative problem-solving strategies

Next Steps

Complex multi-stage OAA challenges
Leadership roles in outdoor activities
Advanced team strategy development

Milestone Indicators

Demonstrates creative thinking under pressure

Shows trust and supports others confidently

Explains problem-solving process clearly

Key Teaching Points

Trust must be built gradually and maintained through consistent support
Creative engineering requires both planning and experimentation
Different challenges require different types of teamwork and communication
Safety in trust activities depends on everyone following rules carefully
Problem-solving improves when teams share ideas and try multiple approaches
Reflection helps consolidate learning about teamwork and trust building
Real-world connections make abstract engineering concepts more meaningful

Common Misconceptions

Taller towers are always better - emphasis should be on stability and design
Trust activities are just games - they develop real life social skills
Only one person needs to lead - successful teams need everyone's contribution
Planning wastes building time - good planning actually saves time and improves results
Trust means closing your eyes - trust is about relying on others responsibly

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Regular movement breaks, clear boundaries and rules, fidget tools available during reflection

dyspraxia

Simplified building techniques, extra time for construction, partner support available

autism spectrum

Clear structure and routine, quiet spaces available, predictable activity sequence

visual impairment

Use verbal descriptions for building techniques, partner guidance during trust activities, textured materials for building

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations of all techniques, written instruction cards, visual signals for timing

physical disability

Seated building option, adapted trust activities, alternative roles in active games

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Communication skills, collaborative discussion, presenting ideas clearly

Maths

3D shapes and structures, measurement and comparison, problem-solving strategies

Science

Forces and structures, stability and centre of gravity, materials and their properties

PSHE

Building relationships, trust and responsibility, resilience and perseverance

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between activities to ensure clear view of all groups, position near trust circles during those activities

Observation Focus

Watch for genuine trust development, creative problem-solving approaches, and inclusive teamwork

Intervention Points

Step in if trust activities become unsafe, support teams struggling with communication, guide groups stuck in building process

Demonstration Notes

Show proper trust circle technique, model problem-solving thinking aloud, demonstrate safe throwing technique

Verbal Cues

•'Remember to stay rigid like a plank!'
•'Test your tower as you build!'
•'What would an engineer do here?'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large hall or gym, minimum 15m x 10m clear area

Surface Check

Non-slip surface, clear of debris and obstacles

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check spaghetti for sharp broken pieces
•Confirm marshmallows are fresh and allergy-safe
•Ensure softballs are appropriately soft

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Falls during trust activities
•Collisions during tunnel activity
•Choking if materials are eaten
•Sharp spaghetti pieces causing cuts

Risk Mitigation

•Maintain close supervision during trust activities
•Clear rules about below-waist throwing only
•Strict no-eating policy for building materials
•Regular checks for broken spaghetti pieces

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position near trust circles during circle activities
•Monitor throwing games for rule compliance
•Circulate during building to check progress and safety

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if anyone feels unsafe, have first aid kit accessible, clear evacuation routes