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Assembly Line Simulation

Anne Koschmider

My crew this year really seems to benefit from hands-on activities, so I gave the assembly line simulation a try for the first time. I made a couple of modifications:

  • (1) Based on inspiration from the community, I had students assemble ballpoint pens instead of greeting cards.
  • (2) I reduced the time for each round to 2 minutes, 1 minute, and 30 seconds. I quickly realized that the 70 pens I purchased were going quickly and I needed more materials than expected!

Overall, I think the activity is a keeper but I feel like I still need to make some adjustments to make it more impactful. One of the biggest issues was the store owners. It didn't seem like they had enough direction. Does anyone have suggestions? I was thinking about giving them a budget or doing something to try to increase market competition. 

Has anyone else tried this activity? If so, how did it go for you?

  • I've always done pens in my WHP1750 classes.  Although I used to do greeting cards in my economics classes.  These are the ones to get 50 pack of pens

    Also, for fun, I like playing this while they are trying to assemble the pens. 

  • in reply to Todd Nussen

    Thanks,  ! How much time do you usually give for each round?

  • in reply to Anne Koschmider

    I typically give the assembly line 2 minutes and 30 seconds checking on work in progress, defective, completed every 45 seconds. 

  •   I do it in Big History with greeting cards. I simplified and shortened to 2 minutes and it is enough to get the essential concepts. I only do it with one round.

  • in reply to Laura Massa

    Thanks for chiming in,  ! And it's so fun to see your kiddos in action!!