Energy Drink or Water? A Case-by-Case Relay
Teams work through real sports scenarios in a relay and decide which drink fits each one: water, an electrolyte drink or none of the advertised options. It helps take apart the use of energy drinks among young athletes.
How to play
- Explain the three options with hoops on the floor: 'water is enough,' 'electrolyte drink' and 'not recommended' (caffeinated energy drinks or mixes with alcohol) (3 min).
- Relay in teams of five: each member runs to the center pile, takes a case (a 40-minute game in winter, a three-hour summer bike ride, staying up late studying then practicing the next day, a party mixing energy drinks with alcohol...) and drops it in the hoop the team chooses (8 min).
- Review: the teacher reads each case and the team that placed it explains why; a well-reasoned correct answer is worth two points (5 min).
- Quick read of printed drink labels with no brand: caffeine, sugars and warnings for minors; each team picks the fact that surprised them most (4 min).
Rules
- Run in separate lanes and let returning runners pass.
- Place the card in the hoop; do not throw it.
- Do not name or mock brands or classmates' habits.
- Once placed, a card can only be moved during the review.
Variations
Easier
Eight very clear cases and two options instead of three.
Standard
Fifteen cases, three options and team explanations.
Harder
Teams add a fourth hoop, 'it depends,' and must explain what it depends on.
Adaptations
- Visual impairment: cases are read aloud and the hoops are replaced by three classmates who say their option.
- Limited mobility: acts as the team spokesperson in the review and picks the hoop from where they are.
- Autism: gets the list of cases in writing before starting.
Learning goals
- Choose the right hydration based on duration, intensity and weather.
- Critically analyze energy drinks and their risks for minors.
- Support health decisions with reliable information.
Equipment for a class of 25
- cards: 30
- cones: 10
- hoops: 3
Teacher tip
Remind students that energy drinks are not recommended for minors and that mixing them with alcohol masks the feeling of being drunk. Bring real labels printed without the logo.
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