Treasure in the Pit: Rescue It Without Going In

A cone with a ball on top sits in the middle of an off-limits circle; the group must get it out using only the materials given, without the ball falling. It builds creativity, trial and error, and cooperation.

How to play

1. Groups of 6. Each group has its pit: a circle with a 3-meter radius marked with rope, and a cone with a ball on top in the center. Materials: two ropes, two sticks, and a hoop (3 min).
2. First free attempt: rescue the treasure without stepping into the pit (6 min).
3. Debrief: each group shows its solution in 30 seconds (3 min).
4. Second attempt with a bigger pit or one fewer piece of equipment (6 min).
5. Groups put away equipment, each coiling its own ropes (2 min).

Rules

• No one steps in or touches the pit with any body part.
• Sticks are never thrown; ropes are never tied to people.
• If the ball falls, the cone goes back to the center.
• Everyone in the group must touch the equipment during the rescue.

Variations

Adaptations

• Wheelchair users: work from the edge with a stick or rope; set the pit on a smooth surface.
• Visual impairment: a partner describes where the cone is and places the rope in their hands.
• Students who hesitate to speak up: each person must offer one idea before trying.

Learning goals

• Come up with solutions using limited materials.
• Try, fail, and improve as a group.
• Share tasks so everyone takes part.

Equipment for a class of 25

• ropes: 15
• pe sticks: 10
• hoops: 5
• cones: 5
• tennis balls: 5

Teacher tip

There are many solutions: crossing two taut ropes under the cone, making tongs with sticks, hooking the hoop... Give no hints on the first try. If you have no long rope, mark the pit with cones.

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