Lesson Plans

A.4.08 – Lost at Sea

30 minutes

  • Tutor introduces the group to an interactive exercise that will help them to develop their problem-solving skills – Lost at Sea.
  • The tutor divides the group into two smaller groups (with 4-6 learners each) and gives each group a box of matches.
  • Next the tutor gives each learner a copy of the ‘Lost at Sea Ranking Chart’ (R.4.3).
  • Tutor gives each learner 10 minutes to review the list and provide their ‘Individual Ranking’ in the second column.
  • Tutor then gives the group 10 minutes to discuss the importance of each item and to assign a ‘Group Ranking’ which should be noted in the third column.
  • Tutor then presents the Correct Ranking to the group using a PowerPoint slide.
  • After the activity, the Tutor will lead a short group reflection on how the exercise went and how they felt they performed.


Projector and Screen or suitable blank surface; Laptop or Computer; PowerPoint slides; 2 boxes of matches; Copies of worksheet R.4.3 for all learners