Common Theme

This icebreaker is designed to encourage engagement and discussion, help participants get to know each other, and learn more about UCL museums. Participants are shown 4 different museum objects and are asked to think about a common theme that could link the objects. The optional extension prompts participants to discuss which object they connect the most to to share more about themselves. 

 

Length

This icebreaker has a shorter version (5 mins) and a longer version (10 mins) that dives deeper into participants’ own feelings. Both versions involve a poll and discussions in small groups. 

 

This activity is good for…

• Getting a group of participants to work together for the first time
• Encouraging creative and critical thinking 
• Helping students talk about their mood and wellbeing

 

Running the activity

Shorter version

• Let participants know that this activity will involve group discussion, the length of time available, and encourage them to be creative and use their imagination. Allow participants to break off into groups to discuss.
• If time allows, ask smaller groups to feedback their responses to the main group. 

Longer version

• Flip to the next slide. Tell participants that they will now think about which object they identify with the most, and the reasons why
• Allow participants some time to vote on the next slide. 
• If time allows, ask participants to break off into groups again to share their thoughts.

 

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/37463eb6cd485236888240a618c5d27d/e640ce4628da

Template 2: https://www.mentimeter.com/s/1bd5cd490bb8c096a4b83bd8f4871409/16c1b33af13e

 

Other suggested object combinations:

For more information about the objects search for the object no. on the museum databases.

UCL Art Museum catalogue

Grant Museum catalogue

Petrie Museum catalogue

Science Collections catalogue

 

Science Collection                               Petrie Museum            Grant Museum          UCL Art Museum

LDUGC-050                                         UC004                            Z2754                         LDUCS-10186 

 

 

 

Petrie Museum                           Art Collection                          Grant Museum              Science Collection

Collection of Shabtis                  LDUCS: PC5635                     Felidae Group Shot      LDUSC-EE-251