Learning Support

Anything and everything can be an experiential activity. Something as simple as putting a puzzle together can lead to a great conversation. Puzzling Problem asks three teams to put three different puzzles together in as little time as possible.

To make this challenge more interesting, the pieces for the three puzzles are all mixed up, and the teams switch puzzles twice during play. This can be one of the longer activities, but well worth the time.

In the following module you will learn how to properly set-up and facilitate the activity and then if you wish, move students through an academic and/or social skills development reflection experience.

*This activity has been adapted from the Team Building & Group Development CD-ROM of The Inspire! Youth Series from LearningChange, LLC.

Ages
This activity is appropriate for 2nd grade and up.

Group Size
Any group size is appropriate for this activity.

Setting
Ideally an open space with three tables, one for each puzzle. 

Duration
This activity should take about 30-45 minutes to complete with your group. Budget more time if you wish to go into depth by using any of the extension activities or questions.

General
In this activity, some of the things you will inevitably notice include:

1. Students will be actively engaged in small and large group collaboration.
2. Students will have the opportunity to practice problem solving skills (finguring out which puzzle pieces fit which puzzle), and coordinating efforts.
3. Students will have the opportunity to practice communication skills.
   

Academic Standards & Asset Development

For specific academic and social development lessons for this activity, see the Academic Extensions and Social Extensions sections in this module.

This course will walk you step-by-step through the process of setting up and leading this activity, as well as facilitating the conversations and lessons after the experience.

Begin here and move from section to section, and be sure to download and print the activity's PDF Quick Reference Guide and any handouts as you prepare for your event.

Budget about 5-10 minutes to walk through all sections and view all video and written instruction for this course.