Instant Challenge

Types of Instant Challenges

Performance-Based: The focus is to create and performa theatrically-oriented solution for the Appraisers.Teams may use words, language, conversations to solvethe Challenge or the solution may be non-verbal.

Task-Based: The focus is on the team working together to build, move, change, protect or communicate withprovided materials in order to complete a task. Teams mayor may not be allowed to talk during the Challenge.

Many Instant Challenges are a blend between Performance-Based and Task-Based.

Humor is always important!

Doing an IC

• Read the team a challenge• Do it• Debrief• Then do it again – only this time change the rules

• Give less time• Use fewer materials• Use only one iteml!

• Debrief

Task Based Challenge and MaterialsWhat do you need to do?

Connect Support Extend Protect Control Transport

What can you use to do it?

Aluminum Foil Index Cards Popsicle Sticks

Balloons Lunch Bags Rope

Beads Mailing Labels Rulers

Buttons Nails Rubber Bands

Clay Newspaper Spaghetti

Cotton Balls Paper Plastic Spoons

Chenille Sticks Paper Clips Straws

Cups Paper Plates Tape

Envelopes Pasta Tooth Picks

Folders Pencils Wire Coat Hanger

Golf Balls Plastic Bags Yard Sticks

Instant Challenge: chose a “word,” then 3 or more materials

Light it up• Procedure: Use the materials provided to protect a light bulb when

dropped from 6 feet to a hard surface.• You will have 3 minutes to discuss the problem and develop a solution.

Then you will test your solution.• Materials: One envelope, one piece of string, one mailing label, one

rubber band, one piece of paper.• Scoring:

– 20 points if the glass is not broken– 30 points if the bulb lights– 30 points if the bulb stays lit for 15 seconds– 20 points for how well your team works together

Example of start simple and have every one do it themselves

this can be done with a Christmas ornament or anything breakable. Change scoring, depending on the “level of breakage.”

Radioactive SamplesProcedure: You will have 1 minute to think and 3 minutes to solve this challenge.There is a plate with make-believe radioactive samples. Taking turns, each team member must remove one ball at a time from the plate and place it into the

carton. You may only use the items provided. Once an item has been used, it must be discarded and cannot be used again. If two or more items are combined, all must be discarded after each use. They are considered radioactive once they touch the samples.

Materials: envelope, scissors, wire tie, straw, pencil, pen, small plastic bag, mailing label, chenille stick, string, paper, cup, craft stick

Scoring: 2 red balls………….. 12 points each …………………….0-24 points3 yellow balls………… 4 points each ……………..……..0-12 points7 white balls…………… 1 point each …………….……..0-14 pointsAll 7 white balls …………bonus………………………………..20 pointsAll 12 balls ………………bonus………………………………..30 points

A great one to debrief. Discuss how each material can be used.It also makes the team take turns and “share.”

StructureConnection

Challenge: Your TASK is to connect two bricks in as many different ways as possible.Time: You will have up to 6 minutes to connect the bricks for score.Set-up: In the middle of the room are two bricks. In addition, there is a table with materials.Procedure:Use the materials to connect the two bricks. The bricks may not be moved. You will be told when you

have one minute remaining and 30 seconds remaining. You will receive score only for , connections that exist after ten seconds, are made of more than one material, do not touch any other connections, and do not touch the floor.

Materials:2 Spoons 1 Pencil 1 Piece of String 1 Piece of Paper 3 Rubber Bands3 Straws 5 Paper Clips 3 Mailing Labels 1 Envelope 1 Plastic BagThe mailing labels may NOT be attached to the bricks. The bricks may not be altered.

Scoring: You will receiveA. 10 points (60 points maximum) for each connection after time ends.B. Up to 20 points for how creatively you use the materials.C. Up to 20 points for how well your team works together

This debrief should ask what are we getting points for? How may materials must be used for each connection? How many connections receive score?

CommunicationProcedure: You will have 5 minutes to complete Part I and 2 additional minutes to complete Part II.You may talk during Part 1, but no talking is allowed in Part II.In Part II, you will divide your team in two groups: communicators and assemblersChallenge: Devise a system to communicate with teach other that will allow you to assemble various nuts,

washers, etc onto the bolts provided. Additional points will be awarded if they are in the correct order.In Part I, you will be given the items and signaling materials to practice with.After Part !, the assemblers will move to the tables and the communicators will move away form them.In Part II, each assembler should be given: 1 bolt, 3 nuts, 6 washers, 2 wing nuts, 2 rubber washers and 4 lock

washers.The appraiser will give the communicators a chart showing the correct placement of the various items.Time will begin and the signalers will communicate visually – no talking , vocal sounds, writing, letters) with body

signals and/or provided materials.The communicators may not show the scoring chart to the assemblers.The assemblers may not signal back or look at each other’s work.Materials: Hardware, yardstick, pencil, yarn, canScoring: You will receive 2 points for each items correctly selected and placed onto the bolts. You will receive

bonus points items placed in the correct position.

Give the team a practice card with a picture of a bolt with the various washers and nuts – you can have as few as 4 items to be assembled. Change the card for “scoring.”

Performances• Most boring – 7 people standing in a line

• Speak loudly and clearly

• Use imaginary props

• Use people as furniture, human machines

• “Obvious” – clearly recognizable• “Begin with the end in mind” – the punchline or

moral

Silent MovieChallenge: Present a PERFORMANCE in which your team acts out a silent movie with subtitles.For the purposes of this challenge, “subtitles” are dialogue that is written out for the audience to read.Time: You will have up to 5 minutes to use your IMAGINATION to plan your PERFORMANCE. You then will have up to 2

minutes to present your PERFORMANCE to the Appraisers.The Scene: In silent movies there is no sound. Instead of listening to the dialogue, it is written on the screen for the

audience to read.• Part One (5 minutes): Create a silent PERFORMANCE where you use subtitles instead of talking.• Part Two (2 minutes): Present your PERFORMANCE to the appraisers. No team member may talk during Part Two.Materials:You will be given two sheets of poster board, a pair of scissors, and 4 markers to use to make your subtitles in Part One.

All props should be imaginary. A piece of paper and a pencil will be available for your team to use as you plan and present your PERFORMANCE.

Scoring: You will receive up to:A. 25 points for the creativity of your PERFORMANCE.B. 30 points for the creativity of your subtitles.C. 25 points for how ell you tell a story in your PERFORMANCE.D. 20 points for how well your team works together.

You can brainstorm a list of movie titles first, then do the challenge. The titles do not have to be real!

FOIL CREATURESCombination Challenge – task _ performance

Your TASK is to create a creature out of foil and then present a PERFORMANCE in which you tell a story involving the creature.

Time:You will have up to 5 minutes to create your creature and plan your PERFORMANCE, and up to 2 minutes to present your

PERFORMANCE.

Materials: 12 Foil Sheets, A piece of paper and a pencil will be available for your team to use as you plan and

present your PERFORMANCE.

Scoring: You will receive up toA.20 points for the creativity of your creature.B.20 points for the creativity of your story about the creature.C.20 points for how creatively you use the foil.D.20 points for the creativity of your PERFORMANCE.E.20 points for how well your team works together.

You can start by having each person create something out of foil. Improvise with the foil creations – turn them upside down, pass them around, etc.

Then have them do this challenge.Extra: create multiple “creatures” and a song – a creature alphabet for example.NOTE: you may want to ask the team to sing the song in English – not “creature language” or at least have someone

translate…

Use ICs Build Teamwork: Discover Skills and Strengths -

Have FUN (Super Sloppy Saturday) Problem Solving: Start Simple – make them a

successful problem solver Teach a Skill – develop a required element –

Scripts (Matrix, Storybox) Props,Scenery and Costumes – Improvise with

Materials, Bubble Wrap Rap Technical Elements – build structures, vehicles, …

Morphological Matrix

Character Setting Goal Obstacle

computer   cloud climb a mountain

Stuck in outer space 

 flying lizard doghouse Opening a door  twister

 princess  Hollywood flying to the moon avalanche 

teacher Toy Box Get out of an envelope   being fearful

chair hole  Being balanced  guards 

angel  In a TV  Learn to sing  fleas 

Morphological Matrix“Movie” Version

Hero VillainChallenge/ Conflict Outcome

       

       

       

       

       

       

And don’t forget the humorous side kicks!

More Scripts

Story Box - Tell a story taking turns

1. Use any 5-7 items- these are props2. Incorporate the props into the story

choose any prop or assign one3. Learn connecting phrases

Next, then they, on the way, meanwhile back at the ranch; after he died – he came back as a ghost

Characters• Many ICs require a performance –Include

UNUSUAL Characters Unlikely hero or villianUse accentsMannerisms

• Give the team puppets, tell a story (puppets must speak in English)

• Give the team hats – use accents

Materials/Props

• Multi use – string, straws, paper plates• Give the team different materials and let them

make things – statues, monuments…• Give the team different glues, show them how to

use a stapler, ironing tape hemming, …• Bubble Wrap RAP

Make a Mask• Design and construct one mask that will show

multiple characters (Remember your matrix)

• The entire mask must depict a character when being worn and must cover the face of group member(s)

• The mask cannot be “altered” to create the next character (no parts removed or added)

• Materials to use to make a mask: folders, string, colored paper, tape, pipe cleaners, markers, scissors

Simple Arithmetic

• What are you getting scored on?

• Look at the challenge – which elements have highest score

• Make sure to cover ALL elements

What’s Important?