Library
Problem-Solving Games

Problem-Solving Games

youth playing a game

Purpose

Practice logic and problem-solving skills (including trial and error) to assess a problem and come up with possible solutions. These qualities will help you be more self-reliant, a stronger leader, and better able to serve the Lord without needing to be “compelled in all things” (D&C 58:26).

Description

Provide basic supplies that can be used for building, such as disposable plastic cups, craft sticks or toothpicks, and marshmallows. Divide your group into teams and hold a series of contests that require creativity and experimentation. Which team can build the tallest structure? the structure that can support the most weight? the largest structure with a specified small object as the base?

Remember that the goal is to experiment and learn, not to build a perfect structure. You can learn from failure as well as success.

More Ideas

  • Clues in a bag—Choose a theme such as a famous person, a profession, a place, a historical event, an animal, and so on. Put objects or pictures commonly associated with this theme into a bag. The goal is to guess the theme by pulling out the clues one by one.

  • Paper airplanes—Invite each participant to make a paper airplane using paper you provide. Hold a contest and give awards for the plane that flies the farthest, stays airborne the longest, lands closest to a target, and so forth. Then provide additional supplies (such as paper clips, tape, crepe paper, and craft sticks) for a second round of contests.

  • Problem-solving games—Bring a variety of logic puzzles or problem-solving games to an activity. Anything from three-dimensional wooden puzzles to crosswords or riddles can help participants practice solving problems creatively.

  • Don’t touch the ground!—Try to get the entire group from one end of the room to the other without touching the ground. Make sure you provide sturdy chairs, tables, or other objects for participants to use.

Discussion

Encourage participants to talk about what they are learning. Discussions can take place before, during, or after the activity. You could ask questions like the following:

  • Why do you think it is important to learn logic and problem-solving skills?

  • When have you benefited from applying logic and problem-solving skills?

  • What feelings or impressions do you have about using logic and problem-solving skills?

  • How can you apply what you are learning in your life?

Related Resources

Sabbath Day Lessons

Other