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Air Time Mastermind

Air Time Mastermind is a playful brainstorming activity designed to generate creative solutions to participants' pressing problems. This method encourages participants to engage in a fun, childlike activity by making and flying paper airplanes, each containing a specific problem that others in the group can help solve.

Duration
30m–2h
Group size
10–50 people
Materials
construction paper, pens

How to run it

  1. 1

    Distribute a piece of construction paper to each participant.

  2. 2

    Instruct participants to write their biggest problem at the top of one side and their name on the reverse.

  3. 3

    Ensure participants are specific with their questions to elicit targeted responses.

  4. 4

    Participants fold their paper into an airplane, with the question inside the folds.

  5. 5

    Encourage them to decorate their planes for easy identification later.

  6. 6

    Have everyone stand and launch their airplanes simultaneously.

  7. 7

    Each participant picks up a plane that is not theirs and writes an answer to the question inside, adding their name or initials.

  8. 8

    Allow 3 minutes for answering, then refold and relaunch the planes.

  9. 9

    Repeat the cycle for as many rounds as time allows.

  10. 10

    At the end, participants retrieve their original airplanes and review the responses.

  11. 11

    Facilitate a group discussion on questions of universal interest, optionally awarding prizes for various airplane categories.

Tips

  • Encourage creativity in airplane design to make the activity more engaging.

  • Remind participants to be clear and concise with their questions to maximize the quality of responses.

  • Ensure the space is large enough for flying airplanes safely.

Variations

Adapt the method by using different objects like inflatable balls with attached questions for a thematic twist. Modify the duration and number of rounds based on the group size and available time.

Where it fits

Team-building retreatsCreative problem-solving sessionsInnovation workshops
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Method descriptions on Workshop Weaver are original content written by our team, based on established facilitation practices. This method was inspired by work from Gamestorming.

Air Time Mastermind — Facilitation Method | Workshop Weaver