activity:

mystery box

build stories from the unknown

objective:

encourage co-creation and playful exploration of the unknown through story-building rooted in curiosity and imagination.

instructions:

  1. present the scene: a small, unlabeled box has appeared at your door. it has no weight… but it hums slightly. maybe it glows, whispers, or blinks.
  2. turn to a partner or small group and ask: what’s inside this box? who sent it and why?
  3. begin a story together, building it one sentence at a time.
  4. each person takes a turn, adding a new line to continue the tale, reveal a clue, or introduce a twist.
    1. the tone can be playful, poetic, spooky, heartfelt, or philosophical—anything goes.
    2. keep the story going for a few minutes or until it naturally reaches a pause.

optional twist:

each group can read their favorite line aloud to the whole room. debrief by reflecting on:

  • what surprised you in the story?
  • what was it like to build something from uncertainty?
  • how do different minds stretch a single prompt into wildly different possibilities?
Activity Length:
Format:
  • in-person
  • online
  • Pairs
  • small groups
Activity Type:
  • Playful reflections
Skills Developed:
  • Collaboration
  • Communication
  • Creative Thinking
  • Extending Ideas
  • Generating Diverse Ideas
  • Openness
  • Perspective Taking & Empathic Concern
  • Self-Directed Learning
  • Tolerance for Ambiguity