1.1.14

TOXIC WASTE

OBJECTIVES
1) To develop communication skills of the trainees.
2) Challenge them to manage risks.

PROCEDURE
a) Use the rope to create a circle at least 8 ft in diameter on the ground to represent the toxic waste radiation zone. (The larger the radiation zone, the more difficult the activity)
b) Place the small bucket in the center of the radiation zone and fill it with water or balls to represent the toxic waste.
c) Place the large neutralization bucket approximately 30 to 50 feet away. (The greater the distance, the more difficult the activity)
d) Put all other equipment (i.e., bungee, cords, and red herring objects (optional)) in a pile near the rope circle.
d) Ask the trainees to transfer the toxic waste from the small bucket into the large bucket where it will be "neutralized", using only the equipment provided and within a time frame. (The waste will blow up and destroy the world after 20 minutes if it is not neutralized)

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1) How long did it take? Was there any spillage?
2) Were there any injuries?
3) How well did the group cope with this challenge? (e.g., out of 10?)
4) What was the initial reaction of the group?
5) What skills did it take for the group to be successful?
6) What would an outside observer have seen as the strengths and weaknesses of the group?
7) How did the group come up with its best ideas?
8) What did each group member learn about him/her self as a group member?
9) What lessons did the group learn from this exercise which could be applied to future situations?

MATERIALS REQUIRED
a) 2 x toxic waste receptacles (1 small, 1 large bucket)
b) 1 x rope to create a circle for the radiation zone 1 x bungee cord loop
c) 8 x cords
d) 8 x pit balls or use water (to represent toxic waste)
e) Blindfolds (optional)
f) Red herring objects (optional)

APPROXIMATE TIME REQUIRED
30-50 minutes

SOURCE
http://wilderdom.com/