Balloon Tower

SES Volunteer's Association of Western Australia Incorporated

“Together we can; Together we will”

SES Volunteer's Association of Western Australia Incorporated

Outline:

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.

View PDF

Resources:

People Required:
Participants: min=6 max=50

Timings:

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

Pre-work

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Hazards and Risks:

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.

Key Learning Points:

Equipment and Layout:

One packet of multi coloured balloons (20) and a roll of sellotape per team.
1 Tape measure.
Sufficient table space is needed for each team to work on their tower.

Instructions:

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.

Additional Notes:

Review and Conclusion:

Ask how it felt to be asked to carry out the task?
Ask who were the leaders?
Ask how each participant’s confidence felt at the beginning of the task?

Contact Us

Office Street Address: 91 Leake St Belmont 6104
SESVA Postal Address: PO Box 3218 BELMONT WA 6104
sesva.office@ses-wa.asn.au or sesva.secretary@ses-wa.asn.au

Webmaster – sesva.webmaster@ses-wa.asn.au

Website by Ian Hakanson

Information

SES Volunteers Association of Western Australia Incorporated acknowledges the funding from the Department of Fire and Emergency Services that support the operation of the Association.