It has been reformatted as a sample challenge.
OBJECTIVE: To give students a problem which challenges their divergent thinking and active imaginations.
Conducting the Mind Sprint: [Make sure the team entering the room is the scheduled team. Then say,] This is a relay called "Balancing Act." When it's your turn, you will go to the table, pick up one or more of the items sitting there, and answer a question I'll put to you. For instance, the table holds a birthday candle. I might say, "Birthday candles always go on top of cakes. Balance the candle on the toe of your shoe and tell me other things that are on top of something." You would then give me as many answers as you could name quickly, replace the candle on the table, and return to the line, tapping the hand of the next person in line as you pass. You will take turns, using a total of seven minutes. Multiple answers will earn you lots of points. Any questions? [Answer them; then say:] Line up and begin. [Time seven minutes, consistently reading and accepting answers from the team members as you conduct this Mind Sprint. Allow the last person to answer if you've posed the question when time is called. If they've reached the table, but have not heard the question, do not pose the problem to that person.]
Scoring: Award 5 points for each literal response, and award 10 points if a response is highly creative and unusual. Please try to note these responses and the team and person's name so Mary Ann Berdan Creativity Awards may be given for the best answers. Note names and schools of award winners, please, and use the enclosed forms!
Please use the Caution Comments, page 15 of your Program Manual, to help you be consistent and fair. For additional help, please review page 14, as well, as it has advice on judging the difference between literal and highly creative.
At the end of the Meet, turn score sheets in at the scoring room, then kindly return any moved equipment for the classroom teacher, and turn the materials back to the Score room Host/Facilitator.
Thank you for running this Mind Sprint today!
Object instructions for relay:
- Onions are known for their strong smell. Pick up the onion, balance it on your crooked elbow, and name other things that are known for their strong odor.
- Pencil lead is temporary. Place two pencils on the back of your hand and balance them there while you name things that are temporary.
- A fortune cookie has lots of folds. Place the cookie on your forehead and Let go. Then name things that fold, or things you'd find in a fold.
- The key is rough and metal. Name things that are rough or metal while balancing the key on the top of your knee, standing on one foot.
- This candle is used to celebrate birthdays. Place it behind your ear and name other uses to which the candle could be put.
- That fortune cookie contains a secret message. Balance it on the top of your shoe, leg raised, and tell me reasons to keep or tell secrets.
- Onions have many layers. What else has layers? Hold the onion between your wrists while you name layered things.
- Candles are lined up in rows. Balance three candles in a row on the back of your hand and name things that appear in rows, or things you line up.
- Fortune cookies are said to tell the future and advice. Put it on your shoulder, talk to it and name reasons you would or would not want to know the future or receive advice.
- Keys open stuff. Set the key on the end of your nose and name things that can open.
- Onions have many rings. Toss the onion hand-to-hand and tell me about things that ring or have rings.
- Pencils are coated with paint. Place one pencil on each shoulder, balance them there, and name other things that have coatings or are covered.
- Keys fit into holes. Hold the key between your index fingers, elbows pointing out, and name ways or reasons to make holes.
- Candle wax is soft. Balance the candle on your thumbnail and name things that are soft.
15. Pencil lead can smudge and create shading. Rest your head on the eraser and name other things that smudge or create shade.
