Teamwork Makes the Dream Work
A “Soft” Skills Integration lesson from the National FFA Organization titled “Teamwork Makes the Dream Work!” that uses a hands-on cup-stacking challenge to teach the importance of teamwork. Students work in small groups using only string and a rubber band to build and deconstruct a cup pyramid, then debrief on what made their collaboration successful.
At a glance
- Learning objectives
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- Recognize the importance of teamwork.
- Demonstrate teamwork skills for use today and in the future.
- Time required
- 30 minutes
- Materials
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- Disposable cups (10 per group)
- Rubber bands
- String or yarn
- Resources
- FFA.org
- Suggested Use
- Incorporate any of these activities into the class curriculum before and during the following: 1. Team-building activities. 2. Collaborative or group projects. 3. Icebreaker activity. 4. Communication activities.
- Partnership for 21st Century Skills
- Collaboration; Communication; Critical Thinking and Problem Solving; Implement Innovations; Initiative and Self-direction; Leadership and Responsibility; Social and Cross-Cultural Skills; Think Creatively; Work Creatively with Others
Downloads & Links
Aligned Standards
AFNR Career Ready Practices
- CRP.01Act as a responsible and contributing citizen and employee.
- 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.
- CRP.06Demonstrate creativity and innovation.
- CRP.08Utilize critical thinking to make sense of problems and persevere in solving them. Career-ready individuals readily recognize problems in the workplace, understand the nature of the problem, and devise effective plans to solve the problem.
- CRP.09Model integrity, ethical leadership and effective management.
- CRP.12Work productively in teams while using cultural/global competence.
Common Core – Speaking and Listening
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.9-10.1Initiate and participate effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grades 9-10 topics, texts, and issues, building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly and persuasively.
- 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.
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.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-DCharacter: Conduct oneself appropriately in relation to others regardless of the situation.
Next Generation Science
- HS-ETS1-3Evaluate a solution to a complex real-world problem based on prioritized criteria and trade-offs that account for a range of constraints, including cost, safety, reliability, and aesthetics as well as possible social, cultural, and environmental impacts.