Easy...Knot
Time Allowance: 20 Minutes
Equipment Needed: A 10-foot rope and a 30-50 foot rope which is different from the 10-foot rope. Tie the two ropes together to make a longer rope. Tie the other end of the shorter rope to a stationary object such as a column, doorway; or post.
Steps
1. The objective of this game is for the large team to tie an overhand knot at the secured end of the long rope without touching the secured end.
2. Start the activity by asking, “How many people know how to tie a simple overhand knot?” It is the first knot you tie when you tie your shoe laces. You might have to demonstrate an overhand knot with the rope.
3. Ask everyone in the group to line up and grab the long rope with one hand. No one should be holding the shorter rope that is attached to the longer rope and secured at the end.
4. The goal of the group is to tie a simple overhand knot in the short rope without touching the short rope in the process. The facilitator should be able to easily identify the knot when you are done.
5. Constraints: everyone can slide along the long rope, but cannot let go of it or trade places with anyone in the line. The shorter rope cannot be touched. The long and short ropes cannot be untied.
6. One solution strategy -- The whole team should slide toward the loose end of the long rope to create some unoccupied space on the long rope. The person closest to the short and long rope connection forms a loop in the excess long rope and steps through the loop. The rest of the group will also have to step through the loop just like the first person. When everyone is through, the team should have a loosely tied overhand knot. The team can maneuver the loose knot toward the short rope with a little work. Most teams seem to send the person at the loose end of the longer rope around the group to form the knot. The strategy will work, but it may be more confusing.
Processing Issues
Group Problem Solving
Teamwork
Communication