The änergy Rocket Scientist Team Building Program is a dynamic and engaging activity designed to foster teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving skills among participants. The central focus of the program is on the construction of paper rockets and rocket launchers using PVC pipes. The challenge lies in creating a rocket that can be propelled more than 50 meters, followed by a contest to determine the team with the best rocket launcher.
This activity can also be conducted indoors with a small outdoor space for launching of the rockets. Watch a short video of the launch on a rooftop garden in Hong Kong:
Activity Execution
- Team Formation: Participants are divided into teams, promoting collaboration and communication skills. Each team is then tasked with the exciting challenge of creating a paper rocket and a rocket launcher using PVC pipes.
- Rocket Design: Teams delve into the creative process of designing their paper rockets. This involves considering aerodynamics, structural integrity, and overall aesthetics. The emphasis is on combining imagination with practical engineering principles.
- Launcher Construction: Simultaneously, teams work on constructing their rocket launchers using PVC pipes. This phase encourages participants to apply problem-solving skills as they engineer a device capable of propelling their paper rockets to impressive distances.
- Testing and Refinement: Teams engage in trial launches to test the capabilities of their rockets and launchers. The iterative nature of this step allows for continuous improvement, as teams analyze the results and make necessary adjustments to enhance performance.
- Contest and Evaluation: The program culminates in a lively contest where teams showcase their rockets and compete to determine which team has the best rocket launcher. Evaluation criteria include the design of the rockets, the distance traveled by the rockets, and the effectiveness of the launchers.
- Debriefing Session: Following the contest, a facilitated debriefing session provides a platform for reflection. Teams discuss their experiences, challenges faced, and the strategies employed. This phase enhances the learning outcomes by encouraging participants to extract insights from the activity.
Learning Attributes
The änergy Rocket Scientist Team Building Program is strategically designed to bring out various learning attributes among participants:
- Teamwork and Collaboration: The program necessitates effective collaboration among team members to design and construct both the rocket and the launcher. The collaborative effort enhances teamwork skills as participants pool their strengths and resources.
- Creativity and Innovation: Crafting a functional paper rocket and launcher requires creative thinking and innovation. Participants are encouraged to think outside the box, experiment with designs, and find inventive solutions to engineering challenges.
- Problem-Solving Skills: The construction of rockets and launchers involves overcoming practical challenges. Teams must analyze issues, troubleshoot problems, and iteratively refine their designs—a process that cultivates valuable problem-solving skills.
- Communication Skills: Clear communication is crucial to the success of the project. Participants must effectively convey their ideas, listen to team members, and ensure that everyone is on the same page during the design and construction phases.
- Project Management: The program introduces a project management element as teams must organize their tasks, allocate responsibilities, and manage their time efficiently to meet the challenge deadlines.
- Resilience and Adaptability: As teams test their rockets and launchers, unforeseen challenges may arise. Participants learn to adapt, make quick decisions, and exhibit resilience in the face of unexpected setbacks.
In conclusion, the änergy Rocket Scientist Team Building Program provides a dynamic platform for teams to engage in a hands-on, creative, and collaborative experience. The combination of rocket design, launcher construction, and a spirited contest ensures a memorable and impactful learning journey for participants.