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Introduction

The Spider's Web creates a group problem solving task that requires a group cooperative response. One of the unique parts of the "web" is that everyone in the group must participate and all must be successful or the problem is not solved.

Sportime has designed this to be part of the Big Red Base System. As part of the system, the "web" is portable and erected easily. As the ability of the group to critically analyze the problem is sharpened, the spider (you or the web designer... remember the students should be encouraged to design a web) can be customized to fit the ability level of the individuals in the group.

Self Limiting Participation- A Safety Consideration

To solve this problem the participants are involved in strenuous physical activity. Depending on the solution, the group must lift (and/ or be lifted) through the openings in the web. Participation must be an individual choice. Peer pressure, fear of a failing grade or other "influencers" have no place in this activity. As supervisor you must be sure that each individual is accepting an appropriate amount challenge but not overextending to a point of danger. The group can be positive about their enthusiasm without pressuring.

Parts(As listed in the current Sportime catalog)

• 2 Big Red Bases
• Four 8' aluminum posts to serve as the frame
• Two PVC right angle connectors, twenty- four clip- on bungee cords

Playing it Safe

Set the "tone" for participation prior to the start of any activity. You must know the personality of the group that is solving the problem. It is the responsibility of the group leader to keep the group moving towards a solution. The activity supervisor must keep all members focused on a safe solution to the problem.

1. Always place mats under the web.
2. Teach your group how to "spot" to rescue a falling person.
3. Teach your group how to lift a heavy object. It is also important that the group not grab clothes.
4. Be sure that the communications skills of the group are up to the task.
5. No one is permitted to touch the frame
6. No one may go around or over the frame.
7. No one may jump, dive or be thrown through the web.
8. If a person suddenly decides not to continue with the present course of the activity, the group must stop immediately. It is suggested that you set an emergency stop signal to stop activity until the problem is resolved.
9. This is not a "timed" activity. Although the group must be aware of all parameters and limitations, speed should not be presented as this adds an unnecessary element.

Objective Of The Spider Web Activity

The group is challenged to pass from one side of the web through to the other. Nothing (either person going through the web, passer or catcher, including clothes) is permitted to touch any of the strands of the web. When someone passes through an opening in the web, that opening is "closed off" and no other person may use that opening.

The group must analyze the web, assess the abilities and sizes of each individual and then develop a plan. This must be done before any activity, accounting for everyone in the group.

A major theme and consideration must always be the development of self- confidence, self- reliance and self- esteem in a group setting.

The leaders task is to state the problem to be solved in an exciting context (ie. we were following Indiana Jones through the jungle when we came upon this giant spider web. We decided to...). The leader must never give solutions, suggest alternatives (except where safety is involved) or evaluate the work while in progress.

Common Characteristics Of Critical Thinking Activities

1. You should work to create an environment where participants challenge themselves.
2. You must provide situations where individuals have an opportunity to exceed their own expectations to experience success.
3. A rational decision making process is employed.
4. the practice of mutual support is employed regularly.
5. Participants are taught to examine and employ the available resources.
6. Participants actively learn how to plan and employ a strategy.
7. Participants learn how to deal with success and failure as an individual and as part of a group.

Designing Your Web

Each 8' pole has six eye- hooks to hold the clip- on bungee cords. In designing the openings in the web, there must be a variety of sizes to accommodate very large as well as smaller participants. It is recommended that as you create your webs you keep notes on the which color cords are on hooks. Be sure that you note any modifications made after the original construction. That will make reproduction of a "Keeper" easy.

The easiest web to create has all squares. The ability of your group will dictate the size that will create a challenge yet not be too hard. This simple web can then be modified by using longer bungee cords and attaching them at different angles. A different type of web can be created by having the cords meet in the center. The wedges then create openings that can accommodate differing size people. As your group gets better at developing a plan you will have to increase the difficulty of the web.

Basic Guidelines For Participation

In addition to the safety rules already presented, there are several additional rules that will help maintain a positive atmosphere, guide the activity as well as increase the rate of success. You must remember that it is your activity and you have the power to add rules at any time.

1. No- one is permitted to touch the web. If contact is made than the individual must start at the beginning. Only the person making contact returns to the start.
2. If a helping person touches the net, the person going through the net must return to the start along with the person touching the web.
3. When an opening has been used, it closes, and may not be used again during the same problem accept as allowed by the rules. To help keep track you might consider hanging something over an opening so that it is not used again.
4. When the number of people in the group exceeds the number of usable openings, you may designate a number of additional holes or pick specific openings that may be used an additional time.
5. Individuals have the "RIGHT" at any time to excuse themselves from participation (an individual may reenter, depending on your rules, as long as an advantage is not gained).
6. No props may be used to assist unless permitted by your rules.
7. Injuries must be reported to the teacher/ supervisor immediately.

Breakdown The Results / Processing The Experience

One of the more important experiences a person can have is the "follow- up" discussion. The focus of the session is to allow the participants to verbalize their own individual feelings. This can include any positive comment from thoughts on the solution to how the group might have better planned. This is also an excellent opportunity for the individuals in the group to learn to communicate.

The leadership in the group should serve as equals at this point and not dominate the discussion.

Key Factors In Using The Spider Web Activity

Trust building Cooperation Development of fitness Development of problem solving skills Teaches an individual to "reach" and extend Supports inclusion Every person finds a level of success.

Spider Web And The Differently- Abled

This is a great opportunity for everyone to be involved in an activity. If you do not have such an individual, you should consider putting someone in a wheelchair or designate an individual as blind via blindfold. The web can be created so as to accommodate any individual. The rules can also be set so as to promote the inclusion of everyone.