Ukens, Lorraine L. (1997). Working Together:
55 Team Games. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass/Pfeiffer.
Here are some sample techniques from the book.
1) Good Fortune: using a word processor, make a sheet of
topic-related riddles. Each riddle has several clues, each
with the same number printed after it. Make as many duplicates
of each set of riddles as you've got groups, and as many
clues per riddle as people per group. Cut the paper into
small strips with one clue on each. Use a rolling pin to
roll out Play-Doh (or other type of clay that hardens when
exposed to air) into a thin sheet. Using a crescent-shaped
cookie or ravioli cutter, make "fortune cookies"
by inserting a riddle clue and folding the "dough"
over to form a fortune-cookie shape. Let dry overnight (TIP:
put each riddle in a separate bag and then keep all the
"Riddle 1" bags together, all the "Riddle
2" bags together, etc). During class, divide students
into groups and give participants one "cookie"
each (explain they're inedible!), making sure that all cookies
pertain to the same riddle (using the same riddle on each
round controls for riddle difficulty and makes it a true
competition). The first team to answer their riddle is the
winner.
2) Rocket Race: divide students into groups and have them
do some topic-related writing assignment (e.g., multiple-choice
questions written about the day's topic). After they're
finished, tell them that for once their contribution won't
be decided on merit, but on problem-solving ability. Give
each group a sausage-shaped balloon, a straw, tape, scissors,
and 25 feet of fishing line or string. The objective is
to construct a balloon rocket that will carry one page of
their best questions as far as possible along the taut string.
Give them ten minutes to experiment to find a way to fold
the paper and attach everything to the string, then have
them launch their "rockets" one by one. Whichever
group's page gets the furthest wins! If more than one team
succeeds, have a "play-off". Give extra credit
or small prizes to the winning team (or agree to put one
or more of their questions on the exam!).
3) Square Off: divide a small class into either two or
four groups of 4-5 persons each. For two groups, use masking
tape to make a large tic tac toe board on the floor (you
guessed it---living tic tac toe!). Like Hollywood squares,
a contestant has to answer a question to win the right to
occupy the square of their choice; if they answer incorrectly,
someone from the other team gets a chance.
4) Unbelievable: Form teams of up to five persons each.
Each group gets a sheet with five or so topic-related sentences.
Instruct them that all of the statements are true---except
one. In five minutes, they have to reach consensus which
statement is false. Have each group give their answer and
explain why they chose it.
5) Soccer Fan: Give everyone a sheet of paper and tell
them to construct a fan. They can use any technique they
like but cannot use anything but the sheet of paper. Clean
off your instructor's desk or another flat desk or table
and tape small identical "goal" boxes slightly
below surface level on opposing ends. Put a small sticky
dot or piece of tape in the center of the table. Divide
participants into an even number of teams (2, 4, or 6 teams)
with up to five members per team. Have each team elect a
"goalkeeper". Pick two teams: the goalkeepers
position themselves next to a goal box while their team
members fan out around the table. Place a ping pong ball
on the mark on the center of the table and let the game
begin! Teams have to fan the ball into their opponents goal
box while defending their own goal box. No touching of the
ball is allowed---if someone touches it, they go in the
"penalty box" for a designated time period. If
the ball goes off the table, you place it back on the mark.