Login
Group guessing the minute mystery game.

Minute Mysteries

Series of mini-mysteries which foster critical thinking.

  • Fosters creativity
  • Develops critical thinking skills
  • Ideal idle-time activity
  • Suits all group sizes
  • No props

Step-by-Step Instructions

How To Play Narrative Premium

Practical Leadership Tips Premium

Social-Emotional Learning Premium

Health & Wellness Programming Premium

Popular Variations Premium

Virtual Adaptation Premium

You Might Also Like... Premium

Useful Framing Ideas Premium

Reflection Tips & Strategies Premium

Source Premium

Contributor

Add your Comments...

Have you played this activity? What worked, what didn't work? What type of group? Do you have useful advice for other users? Do you know a fun variation?

Comments (5)

  1. Amy Porter

    I just participated in something very similar to Minute Mysteries in an ECHO session (virtual event). The moderator sent out a mock patient case (related to substance use disorder) ahead of the session and asked everyone to review in advance. When it was time for the event, we read the case together as a group, and then the moderator opened it up for questions to fill in “gaps” in the scenario before we moved into discussing what types of services/solutions would be appropriate to offer. The expert presenters participated as well and it made for an excellent group learning and discussion dynamic. I have never seen this activity in written form and so glad I found it. Saving for future use.

    • Mark Collard

      That’s such a cool connection between your experience & this team puzzle. Indeed, this type of connection (to other situations) can be built with so many of our activities. Have fun.

  2. David Piang-Nee

    Great series of brain teasers here.. Useful for Trivia nights or Olympics or just for quiet time.

  3. Chris Brainard

    Oh, I have several lateral thinking puzzles that I *adore*!

    The music stopped, and he died. What happened?
    “He” was a fly, and he got smooshed in a game of musical chairs.

    Two men are in a bar. One is holding a smoking gun, and the other is dead. There are also 53 bicycles in the bar.
    The men were playing cards, using “Bicycle” brand – 53 cards means that one of them was cheating.

    Additionally….
    I have a friend who got out-thought by his daughter when she was a freshman in high school. He presented the “father dies-son survives-surgeon can’t operate” lateral thinking puzzle to her. “Oh,” she said, without even missing a beat. “The surgeon and the father are gay.”

    • Mark Collard

      Chris, thanks for sharing these. I am familiar with them and love them, too.

No Props No Problem

Brand NEW book featuring 150+ outrageously fun group games & activities. Scan QR codes to connect to tons of digital content including video tutorials.

Add to Cart
Free eBook:
Top Ten Icebreakers & Group Games

Download our free 28-page ebook jam-packed with outrageously fun activity ideas.