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Rube Goldberg

Rube Goldberg challenges teams to build an overcomplicated contraption that performs a simple task—like popping a balloon or ringing a bell—using chain reactions. It’s a brilliant exercise in teamwork, creativity, and engineering whimsy.

Mechanics:

Action Choice, Area Management, Construction, Cooperative, Dexterity, Exploration, Improvisation, Presentation, Real-time, Resource Management, Simultaneous Action

Dynamics:

Application, Communication, Confidence, Creativity, Critical Thinking, Delegation, Goal Setting, Innovation, Initiative, Leadership, Multitasking, Organization, Resourcefulness, Risk-taking, Skill-building, Teamwork, Time Management

HOW TO PLAY

Written Instructions:

Coming Soon

Play Personalities

Creator, Competitor, Explorer, Kinethslete, Joker, Storyteller

As a Physical Game

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As a Digital Game

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As an Opener

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As a Core Activity

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As a Closer

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FACILITATION SUPPORT

An Expert in Your Pocket

Upgrade to any paid subscription tier of the Play Concierge platform for direct access to practitioners with experience facilitating this game for learning outcomes!

Buy / Access

N/A (provide the materials to construct with or space to find them)

DIY Notes:

Variations

> Any construction challenge

Pulse Check

Q - Are people having fun — smiling, laughing, in deep thought? 

Q - Does everyone seem open to keep playing? Are the disengaged able to be more engaged? 

Q - Do you hear productive strategizing about how to improve process or results?

What

Position the reflection around goals and metrics, as well as the skills and roles to succeed: 

Q - What is one thing about you that would help your team members work with you better? 

Q - Did this game give you ideas about how to better advocate for yourself? 

Q - What strengths and talents did you witness, and how could the team better leverage them?

Act

Position the reflection around the need to be in motion and see measurable progress: 

Q - How did your team define success? What indicated you were on the right track? 

Q - What game insights can you apply to better handle future times of crisis or uncertainty? 

Q - Did this game give you any ideas about how to activate team skills and resources in new ways?

Have feedback? Offer your thoughts here:

Learning Preambles

COMING SOON

Connected Playlists

What  |  Act

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