Difference between revisions of "Pumpkin Totem Pole"

From Teampedia
Jump to: navigation, search
(Created page with "<!-- This is the Activity Template. To add your activity, enter your information below each ===Header=== and press "Save Page" For editing help see: http://www.teampedia.net/w...")
 
Line 7: Line 7:
  
 
===Objectives===
 
===Objectives===
Fun, creativity, group identity, decoration, idea generation, collaboration
+
Fun, creativity, group identity, decoration, idea generation, collaboration, possibly donations of outcome as outreach to community organizations.
  
 
===Group Size===
 
===Group Size===
Line 26: Line 26:
 
===Set Up===
 
===Set Up===
 
Have participants divide into teams of 3 - 7.
 
Have participants divide into teams of 3 - 7.
Have each person choose a pumpkin - sizes for each team should be graded, so that each team has large to small.  
+
Have each person choose a pumpkin - sizes for each team should be graded, so that each team has large to small.
  
 
===Directions===
 
===Directions===
Everyone carves jack-o-lanterns.  
+
Everyone carves jack-o-lanterns.
- There can be a declared them, such as design each as a "self portrait" or "company mascot" or on some idea relevant to the group (e.g., friendly customer service).
+
- There can be a declared them, such as design each as a "self portrait" or "company mascot" or on some idea relevant to the group (e.g., friendly customer service).
  
Remove stems and "caps" of each pumpkin remove ''except the smallest in each group.'' Top holes need to be level.  
+
Remove stems and "caps" of each pumpkin remove ''except the smallest in each group.'' Top holes need to be level.
 
Cut holes in the bottom of each pumpkin ''except the largest in each group.''
 
Cut holes in the bottom of each pumpkin ''except the largest in each group.''
 
Clean out the seeds and goo.
 
Clean out the seeds and goo.
Line 38: Line 38:
  
 
Each team mounts its pole securely (unless the setup has done that for them).
 
Each team mounts its pole securely (unless the setup has done that for them).
Optional: wrap the string of lights around the pole tightly (may require duct tape to secure), with plug at the top.  
+
Optional: wrap the string of lights around the pole tightly (may require duct tape to secure), with plug at the top.
 
Mount the team's pumpkins on the pole, with largest on the bottom and progressing upward to the top. Cut slot in stemmed cap of the top (smallest) pumpkin, to allow cord to come out.
 
Mount the team's pumpkins on the pole, with largest on the bottom and progressing upward to the top. Cut slot in stemmed cap of the top (smallest) pumpkin, to allow cord to come out.
 
Plug into the extension cord. Secure cord to prevent tripping or other hazards.
 
Plug into the extension cord. Secure cord to prevent tripping or other hazards.
Note that carved pumpkins can last a week or less, depending on weather and other factors.  
+
Note that carved pumpkins can last a week or less, depending on weather and other factors.
  
 
===Debrief===
 
===Debrief===
 
Admire each others' sculptures!
 
Admire each others' sculptures!
  
Gather as whole group and discuss the process - successful moments in collaborations, what to do differently to make the experience smoother another time. Discuss what was learned that  could be applied to group projects/work.
+
Gather as whole group and discuss the process - successful moments in collaborations, what to do differently to make the experience smoother another time. Discuss what was learned that  could be applied to group projects/work.
  
  
 
===Alternatives===
 
===Alternatives===
The poles could be erected at an assisted living/retirement facility, a day care, or other places where people could enjoy them.  
+
The poles could be erected at an assisted living/retirement facility, a day care, or other places where people could enjoy them.
  
  
Line 62: Line 62:
 
[[Category:New Activities]]
 
[[Category:New Activities]]
 
[[Category:Small]]
 
[[Category:Small]]
 +
[[Category:Collaboration]]
 +
[[Category:Communication]]
 +
[[Category:Getting to know you]]
 +
[[Category:Team Strategy]]
 
[[Category:Medium]]
 
[[Category:Medium]]
 
[[Category:Large]]
 
[[Category:Large]]

Revision as of 21:40, 9 November 2013


Objectives

Fun, creativity, group identity, decoration, idea generation, collaboration, possibly donations of outcome as outreach to community organizations.

Group Size

Any size group can work, divided into small teams of 3 - 7 people.

Materials

Pumpkins of a variety of sizes, from very large to small. At least one for every participant. Carving tools. Materials for cleanup. Sturdy Pole ( e.g, PVC or metal pipe, reebar, bamboo) 1"-2" diameter; 5'-7' feet tall. Tools to dig hole in ground, or to create stand for pole. Optional: strings or tubes of outdoor holiday lights; extension cords, outlets.


Set Up

Have participants divide into teams of 3 - 7. Have each person choose a pumpkin - sizes for each team should be graded, so that each team has large to small.

Directions

Everyone carves jack-o-lanterns. - There can be a declared them, such as design each as a "self portrait" or "company mascot" or on some idea relevant to the group (e.g., friendly customer service).

Remove stems and "caps" of each pumpkin remove except the smallest in each group. Top holes need to be level. Cut holes in the bottom of each pumpkin except the largest in each group. Clean out the seeds and goo. Clean up and recycle the mess!

Each team mounts its pole securely (unless the setup has done that for them). Optional: wrap the string of lights around the pole tightly (may require duct tape to secure), with plug at the top. Mount the team's pumpkins on the pole, with largest on the bottom and progressing upward to the top. Cut slot in stemmed cap of the top (smallest) pumpkin, to allow cord to come out. Plug into the extension cord. Secure cord to prevent tripping or other hazards. Note that carved pumpkins can last a week or less, depending on weather and other factors.

Debrief

Admire each others' sculptures!

Gather as whole group and discuss the process - successful moments in collaborations, what to do differently to make the experience smoother another time. Discuss what was learned that could be applied to group projects/work.


Alternatives

The poles could be erected at an assisted living/retirement facility, a day care, or other places where people could enjoy them.




Can you help make this activity better? Do you know an alternate way to lead this activity? Click "edit" above and help improve this site for everyone!