Build the Longest Dragon challenge

Supplies

Per team:

• 10 x full A4 red sheets of paper

• 1 pair of scissors

• 1 roll of tape (or glue stick)

• 1 measuring tape (shared)

• Clipboard + pen (to record results)

Optional:

• Green/yellow paper for head & tail

• Markers for quick decorating

Steps

1️⃣ Set Up

• Divide children into even teams (4–6 per team ideal).

• Each team receives:

  • 10 red A4 sheets

  • 1 pair of scissors

  • Tape

• Teams must stay in their allocated space.

• Set a 5-minute timer (or 7 minutes for younger groups).

Explain the Challenge

Read clearly:

“Your team has 5 minutes to build the longest dragon body using only your 10 sheets of paper, scissors and tape. You can cut the paper however you like — but you only have 10 sheets!”

Rules:

• You may cut paper into strips however you choose.

• You must connect pieces into one continuous chain.

• You cannot use scraps from another team.

• The dragon must stay in one unbroken piece.

• It must be able to be lifted gently without falling apart.

3️⃣ Strategy Time (30 Seconds)

Before starting the timer, give teams 30 seconds to plan.

Encourage them to think:

• Long thin strips?

• Paper loops?

• Spiral cuts?

• End-to-end strips?

This builds teamwork and reduces chaos.

4️⃣ Build Time

• Start the timer.

• Remind them:

  • Work together.

  • Share scissors safely.

  • No rushing with scissors.

• Give 1-minute warning before time ends.

5️⃣ Stop & Measure

When time is up:

• All teams must immediately stop.

• Lay dragons flat in a straight line.

• Measure from start to finish.

• Record lengths.

• Announce results dramatically.

🏆 Award Options

Instead of just “winner,” consider:

• 🥇 Longest Dragon

• 🐉 Best Team Strategy

• 🔧 Strongest Dragon (didn’t break)

• 🎨 Most Creative Cutting Method