A mini-engineering task with a mystery twist.
Concept:
Recreate a “mystery structure” based only on a brief glimpse or description.
Time: 10 – 12 minutes
Materials (for each pair)
- 6 straws
- 4 paper clips
- 1 index card
- 12 inches of tape
- 1 “mystery structure” to show briefly (built ahead of time)
Instructions
- The Challenge: You’ll get a 15-second look at a mystery structure. Then, without another look, try to rebuild it as accurately as you can.
- Observe & Build: (6-8 minutes): After the glimpse, use your materials to reconstruct what you remember.
- Compare & Discuss: (2-3 minutes): Reveal the original—what’s the same? What’s different?
- Reflect: (1-2 minutes): What helped you remember the structure? How did your team work together under time pressure?