Miniature Maze

Miniature Maze

Topic: Resiliency

Empowerment Lesson Video: Importance of Resiliency

Supplies:

  • Pencil, one per student
  • Popsicle sticks
  • Hot glue gun and/or glue sticks
  • Shoe box or box lid, one per student
  • Marble, one per student
  • Optional: Markers, toilet paper rolls, extra cardboard, and other craft decoration items such as glitter or stickers

Video Discussion:

Ask, “What does the term ‘resiliency’ mean?”

Allow students to turn and talk to a partner. Then, ask for student ideas.

Work together to come to a class definition of ‘resiliency’.

Help students understand that having resiliency means not giving up, even when it is difficult, and continuing to try to achieve your goals. Ensure that students understand that resiliency isn’t only a skill for the classroom or workplace but can also help them in other areas of their lives (e.g., at home, with friends, etc.).

Tell students they will be watching the video The Importance of Resiliency. Explain that the video presents role models talking about developing resiliency and its importance in their lives and careers.

After viewing, use some or all of the following questions to review the video content and prepare students for the activity:

  • Think of someone you know who is resilient. How do you know they are resilient? Can you think of any example situations that show this person’s resilience? What qualities make this person resilient?
  • Give examples from your life of times that you have been resilient. How did resiliency help you?
  • One role model said that you have to build up a tolerance for resiliency. Could someone be born resilient? Explain your answer.
  • Do all careers require resilience? Do some careers require more resilience than others? Explain your answer.
  • Are you more or less resilient than you were last year? How do you know?
  • What are specific ways that someone can develop resiliency? Give examples.

Activity Instructions:

This maze activity helps students understand the importance of resilience. Students will learn how persistence and problem-solving lead to success. As they build and navigate their mazes, they’ll experience setbacks and challenges, just like in real-life — and learn how to keep going even when things get tricky.

Get ready to design and build your very own marble maze. Just like in real life, your marble might hit a few dead ends, but if you stay patient, keep trying, and learn from your mistakes, you’ll find your way to the finish!

  1. Gather the supplies you will need to make the maze including a box lid, pencil, glue, and popsicle sticks.
  2. Use a pencil to lightly sketch the layout of your maze inside the shoe box lid or cardboard box. Think about adding turns and dead ends to make it more challenging! Hint: Be sure to leave a clear start and end point for the marble’s journey.
  3. Once you’re happy with your design, start gluing the popsicle sticks along the lines you drew to create the walls of your maze. Hold each stick in place for a few seconds so the glue can set. Make sure the spaces between the walls are wide enough for the marble to roll through without getting stuck.
  4. Optional: To make your maze more fun, consider adding obstacles like small ramps (made from folded paper) or tunnels (cut from toilet paper rolls). You can also decorate your maze with markers, stickers, or drawings that reflect your personality and creativity.
  5. Once the glue is dry and your maze is complete, drop the marble at the starting point and gently tilt the box to guide the marble through the maze. Make sure the marble can get from start to finish — but not too easily! Adjust any walls or paths if needed.
  6. Pass your maze to a classmate and see if they can complete it. Watch how they navigate the tricky turns and dead ends. Remember, if they don’t succeed right away, encourage them to keep trying — that’s what resiliency is all about!