To pass a penny, from one end of a line to another, on the backs of group members’ hands.

Five minutes.

Twelve to twenty-four participants, who will work in two equal-sized groups.

Two pennies.

None.

1. Instruct the participants to form two groups of equal size. Direct the members of ech group to stand should to shoulder, facing the other group. Choose a person at the end of each line to be the leader of his or her group.
2. Explain that the groups will be in competition to pass a penny from one end of the line to the other. Each leader will have a penny placed on the back of one hand. Upon a signal, the person will then transfer the penny to the other hand by placing the back of his or her hand over the penny and then flipping both hands at once. When the penny is on the back of the other hand, it must be passed to the next player using the same method. If a penny is dropped, it must be taken back to the beginning and the process must start over again. Use a penny to demonstrate the process. (NOTE: For smaller groups, you may want to have the groups complete a double pass of the penny in order to win.)
3. For each group leader, place a penny on the back fo the person’s hand closest to you. When both groups are ready, signal for the race to start.
4. Declare the first group that completes the penny pass as the winner.

The penny can be passed from one closed fist to another by placing the fist holding the coin, on end, over the top of the other person’s fist, also on end, and then releasing the penny to be caught by the fist on the bottom.

• What factors helped your group to perform the task?
• What hindered your group’s progress?
• How can we relate this to teamwork in general?