SECOND STEP Extension Activities for Middle School

Sculpture Challenge

Collaboration is the name of the game in this fun, educational activity. Before you begin the activity, talk to your students about the importance of collaboration, creativity, and communication—21st Century Skills that contribute to success in school and in life. All three of these skills are used in the Sculpture Challenge. (Learn more about 21st Century Skills.)

The following activity is from our new SECOND STEP middle school program, but it can be used in the upper-elementary grades as well.

The Challenge

Build the tallest free-standing three-dimensional sculpture.

Materials for Each Group

1 pair of scissors
1 piece of paper
6 inches of tape
Paperclips

Instructions for Students

1. Work in groups of four. Students in each group number off one through four.
2. Only one person can touch each material.

Ones—Only touch scissors
Twos—Only touch paper
Threes—Only touch tape
Fours—Only touch paperclips

3. Build the tallest free-standing three-dimensional sculpture you can using just the above materials.
4. You must use all the materials.
5. You have 15 minutes to complete this challenge.

Additional challenge: If anyone touches someone else's material, you must start your sculpture over with a new piece of paper.

Post-Activity Questions