Inspire Team

Let's Make a Triangle

by for .  
#transforming systems
10 - 15
2

Goal

The "Let’s Make a Triangle!" activity is designed to introduce learners to the concept of systems thinking through an engaging and interactive exercise. Learners will create a living system by maintaining an equal distance between two chosen individuals, unknowingly experiencing the dynamics of a system in action.

Note: This activity is for in person groups who have the physical space available. Depending on weather, this activity can be done outside, or in a suitable indoor space for the size of the group. 

Materials

    Instructions

    1. Introduction

      1. Let the learners know we are going to do a short activity that involves movement.

      2. Do not tell them the purpose of the activity in advance. Let them know it’s an opportunity to move around and invite them to observe how the group moves throughout the game.

      3. Instruct learners to stand up and choose two people in the room as their secret “friends”. They should not tell anyone the two people that they’ve chosen.


    1. Creating the Triangle

      1. Provide the following instructions to the learners: On the signal to start (GO), learners should move around the room while always maintaining an equal distance between themselves and their two chosen people.

      2. Emphasize the goal of forming a triangle shape with their movements.

      3. Show the group an example of what that looks like by selecting two people as your secret “friends” and creating an invisible triangle shape with them as they move around the room.

      4. Once everyone understands the activity, begin.

      5. It’s important that one of the facilitators not be a participant in the game (and cannot be chosen as a secret buddy either).


    1. Observation

      1. As the game progresses, observe how learners adapt to maintain equidistance.

      2. Give the learners 1-2 minutes to move around to maintain their triangles.

      3. It’s very likely that the group will be in constant motion, as people move and others must move to maintain their triangles. It’s also possible that the group forms clusters. Make note of all of these things as the learners are playing the game.


    1. Option: Adaptation

      1. Once you feel that the original intention has been achieved, you can opt to modify the game.

      2. Ask everyone to reset into a circle, and to choose 2 new secret buddies.

      3. Tell the group that they’ll begin again, but as they are playing, you will move around the room and tap 1 person on the shoulder. When someone is tapped, they are no longer allowed to move, no matter what happens to their triangles.

        1. Start the game over and choose 1 person to temporarily immobilize. Observe and make note of what happens to the group.

        2. You may choose to give that person the ability to move again, and select another person to temporarily immobilize, or choose 2 people who need to stop moving at the same time.

        3. Make a note of how the group's movements are impacted by these choices.


    1. Reflection

      1. After a suitable duration, bring the activity to a close.

      2. Facilitate a reflective discussion by asking learners about their experience using the debrief questions provided. 

    Background

    Preparation

    Physical Space: Choose an appropriate space based on the size of the group and weather conditions. Ensure there is sufficient space for learners to move around safety.

    Accessibility and Mobility: Consider any accessibility or mobility needs of the learners, and adapt the activity accordingly

    Technology Considerations

    N/A

    Additional Context

    The aim of this activity is to serve as an introduction to systems (and systems thinking) in a fun and interactive way.

    Tips for Localization

    N/A

    Debrief Questions

    The aim of the debrief questions is to lead the learners to understand that during the game, they became a system. Ask questions to generate that type of conclusion.

    • What happened in the triangle game? What did you notice?

    • If one person shifted, what happened to the whole group?

    • Did anyone notice patterns that kept repeating based on changes to the group?

    • Was it easy for things to settle, or did everyone remain in constant motion?

    • Were there certain people whose actions had more of an impact than others? Why? Why not?

    • Option: How did the dynamics change when specific individuals were restricted from moving?


    Once the group has made the connection to being a system:

    • How did small changes at the individual level contribute to the overall behavior of the system?

    • How does this activity relate to interconnectedness and systems in our daily lives?

    • How could this activity help us understand systems in our regular lives?



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