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Lesson 6 - Team Challenge Design

Creative Challenge Design

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Year 6

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Outdoor Adventurous Activities

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57 min

Big Question

How can we work together to solve complex problems and learn from both success and failure?

Learning Objectives

To problem solve effectively as part of a collaborative team
To refine and adapt ideas based on testing and feedback
To follow complex task instructions whilst maintaining team cohesion

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate effective teamwork when solving engineering challenges
Students will adapt their designs based on testing and reflection
Students will articulate what makes effective leadership and collaboration

Equipment & Resources Required

Raw Egg

1 per team (6-8 total)

Keep refrigerated until use, have extras for breakages

Alternative: Hard-boiled eggs for practice rounds

Measuring Tapes

2 for whole class

Pre-cut lengths to ensure fairness

Alternative: Duct tape cut to size

Straws

15 per team

Ensure all straws are same length and material

Alternative: Paper straws, bamboo straws

Pencils

2 per team

Unsharpened pencils for safety

Alternative: Wooden dowels, chopsticks

Clips

10 per team

Standard size clips only

Alternative: Small metal clips, wire pieces

Plastic Cups

4 per team

Same size cups for each team

Alternative: Small cardboard containers

Scissors

1 pair per team

Blunt-ended scissors, supervised use

Alternative: Safety scissors for younger helpers

Numbered Papers

3 sheets per team

For design planning and padding

Alternative: Newspaper, thin cardboard

Equipment Bags

As needed

For inevitable egg cleanup!

Alternative: Paper towels, cleaning cloths

Quoits

6 (4 blue, 2 yellow)

For warm-up activity identification

Alternative: Coloured bibs, foam shapes

Key Vocabulary

Collaboration

Working together effectively by sharing ideas and responsibilities

Prototype

An early model or design that you can test and improve

Iteration

The process of repeating and improving a design based on testing

Constraints

Rules or limitations that you must work within

Resilience

Bouncing back from setbacks and learning from failure

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic teamwork and communication skills from previous OAA units
Understanding of simple problem-solving strategies
Experience working in small groups on practical tasks

Current Skills

Advanced collaborative problem-solving techniques
Design thinking and prototyping processes
Reflection and adaptation skills in team contexts

Next Steps

Leading multi-team collaborative projects
Teaching problem-solving strategies to younger students
Applying design thinking to real-world challenges

Milestone Indicators

Students naturally take turns to contribute ideas

Teams adapt their approach when facing setbacks

Students can articulate what makes effective teamwork

Key Teaching Points

Teamwork requires both speaking and listening skills in equal measure
Engineering is about learning from both success and failure
Constraints force creativity and innovation rather than limiting it
Effective teams assign roles based on strengths and ensure everyone contributes
Reflection and adaptation are more valuable than initial perfection
Real-world problem solving requires persistence and positive responses to setbacks
Presentation skills help engineers communicate their thinking to others

Common Misconceptions

Believing that failed devices represent failed learning
Thinking that the fastest building team will be most successful
Assuming that teamwork happens naturally without intentional effort
Expecting engineering solutions to work perfectly on first attempt
Believing that following instructions exactly is more important than adapting to circumstances

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Clear boundaries for construction areas, frequent movement breaks, specific roles to maintain focus

dyspraxia

Larger construction materials, simplified construction tasks, extra support with fine motor skills

autism spectrum

Clear structure with visual timetables, quiet space available if overwhelmed, predictable team roles

visual impairment

Tactile exploration of materials before building, verbal descriptions of drop testing, buddy system for construction

hearing impairment

Visual demonstration of all instructions, written challenge cards, clear hand signals for testing

physical disability

Adapted materials and tools, modified construction roles, alternative testing methods if needed

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Technical vocabulary, presentation skills, collaborative discussion

Maths

Measurement, 3D shape properties, data collection from testing

Science

Forces and motion, materials and properties, design and technology processes

PSHE

Teamwork and collaboration, resilience and growth mindset, leadership skills

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move continuously between teams during construction, stationed at testing area during drops

Observation Focus

Team collaboration quality, problem-solving approaches, inclusion of all team members

Intervention Points

Step in if teams are struggling with collaboration, provide encouragement during setbacks, ensure safety protocols followed

Demonstration Notes

Model positive responses to failure, demonstrate collaborative discussion techniques, show excitement about engineering process

Verbal Cues

•'What does your team think about this idea?'
•'Engineers always learn from testing!'
•'How can you support your teammate with this challenge?'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large hall or outdoor area, minimum 8m x 12m, with 3m height clearance for testing

Surface Check

Non-slip surface, clear of obstacles, easy to clean in case of egg breakage

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Scissors supervised and collected immediately after use
•Raw eggs handled carefully with immediate cleanup procedures ready
•Testing drop zone kept clear during all drops
•Materials check for sharp edges or choking hazards

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Egg breakage creating slip hazard
•Scissors misuse during construction
•Students in drop zone during testing
•Allergic reactions to raw egg

Risk Mitigation

•Immediate cleanup protocol for broken eggs established
•Clear drop zone boundaries with student safety marshal
•Supervised scissor use with collection protocol
•Check for egg allergies before lesson, alternative materials available

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe all teams during construction
•Direct supervision of testing area
•Monitor team dynamics for conflict resolution

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately for safety concerns, first aid available for cuts, cleanup materials for spillages