This activity offers a ‘mystery object’ and gives participants a prompt and a scenario. The participants will then share how they will use the object in the scenario. Answers can be shared in small groups or with the whole class. There is a certain ‘improv’ element to this activity, so it would be good if participants are already a little bit familiar with each other when using this activity.
Length
We recommend around 5-10 minutes for this activity so that everyone gets some time to think and share their responses.
This activity is good for…
- Encouraging creative and critical thinking amongst participants
- Helping groups open up and be more comfortable around each other
- Introducing a ‘fun’ element before wrapping up the class
Running the activity
- Let participants know the purposes of the activity and how it works – encourage them to use their imagination!
- If it’s a small group and everyone seems comfortable, participants can go directly to the pain group. Otherwise, participants break up into smaller groups and discuss amongst themselves. If time allows, ask participants and take their thoughts to the main group.
- This activity would work well asynchronous with a discussion forum. The facilitator can put up the first response to help encourage more participation.
Please find example templates and the links to Mentimeter where students can share their answers below.
To use and personalise these templates, please add them to your (ucl) Mentimeter account. For instructions on how to create a Mentimeter account please visit the UCL Digital Education page, via this link.
Template 1: https://www.mentimeter.com/s/59a7bfe45837805f268e127496546f12/28b830d4eef1
Template 2: https://www.mentimeter.com/s/db34208b66e1d66cf097ba3a1ce061a5/c654decff0e7
Other suggested objects:
For more information about the objects search for the object no. on the museum databases.
Petrie Museum
Object No.: UC16722
Petrie Museum
Object No.: UC8447A-C
Petrie Museum
Object No.: UC7116
Grant Museum of Zoology
Object No.: V8
Grant Musuem of Zoology
Object No.: B287
Other scenario suggestions:
If Aliens visited, how would you describe and demonstrate these objects function to them?
Which of these objects would you take to a deserted island and why?
You are on a market trying to sell this mystery object, what would you sell it as/how would you market it?
It is game night and your friends asked you to bring a game. Which object would you use and how would you play a game with it?