Lesson 6 - Team Challenge Design
Creative Challenge Design
•Year 6
•Outdoor Adventurous Activities
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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
Keep refrigerated until use, have extras for breakages
Alternative: Hard-boiled eggs for practice rounds
Pre-cut lengths to ensure fairness
Alternative: Duct tape cut to size
Ensure all straws are same length and material
Alternative: Paper straws, bamboo straws
Unsharpened pencils for safety
Alternative: Wooden dowels, chopsticks
Standard size clips only
Alternative: Small metal clips, wire pieces
Same size cups for each team
Alternative: Small cardboard containers
Blunt-ended scissors, supervised use
Alternative: Safety scissors for younger helpers
For design planning and padding
Alternative: Newspaper, thin cardboard
For inevitable egg cleanup!
Alternative: Paper towels, cleaning cloths
For warm-up activity identification
Alternative: Coloured bibs, foam shapes
Key Vocabulary
Working together effectively by sharing ideas and responsibilities
An early model or design that you can test and improve
The process of repeating and improving a design based on testing
Rules or limitations that you must work within
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
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