Mini Marvel Contraptions
Design simple machines, join them together and trigger one amazing cascade.
About
In Mini Marvel Contraptions, teams receive a game board and a set of detailed idea cards, which they discuss within their group.
They then share these ideas with the other teams to develop a strategy for one overall contraption that will run across the whole room.
Each team designs, builds and tests a number of simple machines, joins them together and tests them again. Next, teams connect their series of machines to the next team’s and work together to make sure the action flows smoothly from one to the next.
Once the full contraption is complete and tested, the grand finale arrives. The device is triggered and cascades through every simple machine in turn, ending in a simple yet amazing final action that has the whole room cheering.
Learning outcomes
Collaboration between teams, sharing both knowledge and resources, is essential to success and pushes the limits of creativity. Teams develop a common vision and a shared strategy, then put it into action with strong project and resource management.
Successful teams take time to understand the task and the idea cards, assess the resources available and make a rough plan. Throughout construction, they review their progress and adapt the plan as needed.
In the testing stages, teams learn to stay persistent in the face of difficulty, with a keen eye for detail as they work towards excellence. Small adjustments during testing often make the difference between a stalled run and a perfect one.
The activity builds a true sense of common purpose and creates a memorable shared experience when everyone's efforts are rewarded with a successful final run.
Program flow
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Briefing
Teams receive their game board and idea cards and learn how the shared contraption will work.
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Share ideas
Teams discuss the cards and agree a strategy with the other teams for the overall contraption.
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Build and test
Each team designs, builds and tests its simple machines, then joins and retests them.
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Connect the tables
Teams link their machines to the next team's and fine-tune every hand-over.
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Grand finale
The contraption is triggered and cascades through every simple machine to its final action.
What is included
Included
- Facilitation by experienced hosts
- Game boards and idea cards
- Simple machine building materials
- Testing support
- Grand finale run
Not included
- Venue rental
- Catering and refreshments
- Audio-visual equipment
- Transportation to and from the venue
- Printing of personalised materials
Frequently asked questions
How many people can take part?
Groups from 10 to 500 guests can take part, working in smaller teams.
How long does the program take?
A typical session runs for about 2.5 hours.
Do we need any technical knowledge?
No. The idea cards give teams plenty of starting points, and they learn by building and testing.
Can this be run indoors or outdoors?
It is designed for indoor venues, such as a meeting room or function space with room for teams to work.
Do teams work separately or together?
Both. Each team builds its own machines, but every team's work must connect to create one shared contraption.
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Request a quote for Mini Marvel Contraptions
Tell us your group size, date and goals. We will reply with a tailored proposal.