Fourth & fifth-grade physical education students are in the middle of a cooperative games unit focused on developing teamwork, reinforcing appropriate communication, and enhancing problem-solving skills.

One recent activity is entitled Island Rescue, which faces students with the challenge of collaborating in order to successfully move all team members from one end of the gym to the other. During the activity, the only items that can be used are two scooters, a rope, and one foam tumbling shape (the island). The most challenging part is that no one is allowed to touch the water "floor" during the process. Taking safe risks and learning that it is okay to fail are key aspects of these kind of activities.