Team Building and Critical Thinking
This National FFA lesson plan, “Team Building and Critical Thinking,” guides students through three hands-on team building activities (Minefield, Tarp Turnover, and Draw Back-to-Back) paired with critical thinking/processing questions and a workplace-relevance article. Students then design their own team building workshop for younger students. The resource includes a student worksheet, workshop template, and picture/pattern appendices.
At a glance
- Learning objectives
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- Demonstrate team building skills through activities.
- Evaluate team building activities by answering critical thinking/processing questions.
- Create a team building workshop.
- Time required
- 50 minutes
- Materials
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- A copy of the "We're All in This Together!" worksheet for each student
- Internet access to access the article or copies of the article for each student
- Items for the team building activities: Large tarp/mat
- Several small items (to be used as obstacles) such as small beanbags, paper, etc.
- Blank paper
- Picture/Pattern
- Appendix 2 — Picture/Pattern
- Resources
- 1. FFA.ORG; 2. Article: "Why Critical Thinking Skills Are Important in the Workplace?" (ZipRecruiter blog); 3. PowerPoint: "Developing Critical Thinking and Creativity through Team Building in the Classroom," Kathy Marks, ED.S.
- This Quick Lesson Plan Would Work Well As Part Of
- 1. An agriscience lesson/unit. 2. An agribusiness lesson/unit. 3. A lesson on agricultural careers.
- Partnership for 21st Century Skills
- Communication; Information, Communications, and Technology Literacy; Initiative and Self-direction; Leadership and Responsibility
Downloads & Links
Aligned Standards
AFNR Career Ready Practices
- CRP.04Communicate clearly, effectively, and with reason. Career-ready individuals communicate thoughts, ideas and action plans with clarity, whether using written, verbal and/or visual methods.
Common Core – Reading: Informational Text
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.9-10.2Determine a central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text, including how it emerges and is shaped and refined by specific details; provide an objective summary of the text.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.9-10.4Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative, connotative, and technical meanings; analyze the cumulative impact of specific word choices on meaning and tone (e.g., how the language of a court opinion differs from that of a newspaper).
Common Core – Speaking and Listening
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.9-10.4Present information, findings, and supporting evidence clearly, concisely, and logically such that listeners can follow the line of reasoning and the organization, development, substance, and style are appropriate to purpose, audience, and task.
Common Core – Writing
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.9-10.2Write informative/explanatory texts to examine and convey complex ideas, concepts, and information clearly and accurately through the effective selection, organization, and analysis of content.
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.9-10.4Produce clear and coherent writing the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
FFA Precept
- FFA.CS-MCommunication: Effectively interact with others in personal and professional settings.
- FFA.CS-NDecision Making: Analyze a situation and execute an appropriate course of action.
- FFA.CS-OFlexibility/Adaptability: Be flexible in various situations and adapt to change.
- FFA.PG-HSocial Growth: Successfully interact with others and adapt to various social situations.
- FFA.PG-IProfessional Growth: Assume responsibility for attaining and improving upon the skills needed for career success.
- FFA.PL-AAction: Assume responsibility and take the necessary steps to achieve the desired results, no matter what the goal or task at hand.
- FFA.PL-BRelationship: Build relationships, work as a team player and appreciate the talents of others.
- FFA.PL-CVision: Visualize the future and how to get there.
- FFA.PL-DCharacter: Conduct oneself appropriately in relation to others regardless of the situation.
- FFA.PL-FContinuous Improvement: Accept responsibility for learning and personal growth.