Balloon Tower

SES Volunteers Association of Western Australia Incorporated

Small teams are asked to build the tallest, most cost-effective, free-standing tower using just balloons and some sticky tape within a set time.

This training resource is also available as a PDF.

People Required:
Participants: min=6 max=50

Set-up: Up to 15 min
Running/De-brief: 15 min – 30 min
Pack-up: Up to 15 min

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Specific Safety Notes: In addition to standard safety practices:

Specific Safety Notes: In addition to standard safety practices:
Check that the space you intend to use is safe i.e. flat, free of furniture and glass etc.
If the group size exceeds 12 consider running the activity with several teams at the same time.

Split the group into small teams (of 2 – 4)
Introduce the exercise by stating that the challenge is to build the tallest, most cost-effective freestanding tower
Explain the 10-minute time constraint
Explain the costs involved for the materials i.e. cost for packet of balloons, Sellfotape.
Assign each group their balloons. Also provide each team a briefing.
Reinforce the rules that the tower must be unsupported and freestanding after 10 minutes.
Start the activity and the timer. Give the teams a time check after five minutes and a one- and two-minute warning.