Command task 4: Rod's troubles

Equipment: Six rods of equal length

Time: 5-10 minutes

Where: Works almost anywhere

Aim: To make four equilateral triangles

Benefits: Logic and lateral thinking

Instructions: Set the rods up in a pattern. Then brief the cadets that they must make four equilateral triangles with the rods provided. No breaking of the rods allowed. After some frustration you may find the cadets start moving the roads and testing different options. The solution is for them to realise that is they lay three rods on the floor they can then stand one upright from each corner, meeting in the middle.

Make it easier: Explain up front that they don’t need to work in 2D.

Make it harder: Run the exercise as a time trial in smaller groups, with them competing to finish first.