101 Activities For Teaching Creativity And Problem Solving

• For each group: a variety of materials unrelated to the problem to be solved, for
  instance: string, rope, blocks of wood, wire, books, colored paper, tape, scissors, paper
  clips, clay, cardboard, glue sticks, dowel rods, crayons, small chairs, and rubber balls
  (Toy, craft, and novelty stores are good sources for these items)

Handout

• Sculptures Handout

Time

45 minutes

Related Activities

• Tickler Things [21]


• Museum Madness [86]

Procedure

1. Distribute the Sculptures Handout, review it with the participants, and answer
   any questions they may have.


2. Tell each group to look over the materials and construct a sculpture that repre-
   sents an abstract version of their problem.


3. Give them at least 20 minutes for this activity.


4. When all groups have finished, ask the group members to discuss their sculptures
   among themselves and to note structures, parts, relationships, and any other
   observations they might care to make.


5. Tell them to use these observations as stimuli, write down any ideas on Post-it®
   Notes (one idea per note), and place them on flip charts for evaluation.

Debrief/Discussion

This is another activity that can help generate ideas while also creating a climate con-

ducive to creative thinking. It makes it easier for participants to express themselves cre-

atively, and that could lead to more unique ideas. The activity level also is a plus since it

encourages equal participation and may stimulate ideas just from physically moving

around.

Consider having participants debrief using the following questions:

• What was most helpful about this exercise?


• What was most challenging?


• What can we apply?

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