My first year teaching 8th grade science (12 years ago) I introduced this paper tower challenge to my classes. The idea is this: you get one piece of paper, 30 cm of masking tape, and an unlimited amount of attempts to see how tall you can build a tower that stands freely for at least a count of five. The W section went today. My grade was only on effort for this--for participation, really. It takes some outside the box thinking and an ability to work effectively with someone else. I choose lab partners for my students using a round robin method. Over the course of the year, each student will work with each other student in the lab approximately 3 times.
I used to allow students to pick their own partners, but this fails for a couple of reasons. One, it is important that students learn how to cooperate with a diverse population, not just their current friends. Second, the students are more focused when they work with a partner NOT of their own choosing. Third, for some students, it avoids a very awkward moment when they realize no one wants to work with them.
This lab gives me a chance to get to know my students better--I get to walk around and talk with them, get a sense of how they think and react to a challenge, and how well they work in a small group.
Sweet justice.
