A00: Team Icebreaker

Welcome! Let's get to know each other and form teams for the semester. No technical knowledge required - just bring your curiosity!

At a Glance

  • Duration: 20 minutes
  • Format: Small groups (4-5 students)
  • Prerequisites: None - this is Day 1!
  • Assessment: Participation only (no grading pressure)
  • Deliverable: Team roster and team name
Note: This activity is designed to be fun and welcoming. There are no wrong answers, and you don't need to know anything about crypto or blockchain yet!

Learning Objectives

  • Meet your classmates and form collaborative teams
  • Share your current knowledge and expectations about cryptoeconomics
  • Create a supportive learning environment for the semester
  • Discover the diverse backgrounds and perspectives in the class

Activity Steps

Phase 1: Form Groups 5 minutes

  1. Count off or use instructor-assigned groups to form teams of 4-5 students
  2. Sit together with your team members
  3. Choose one person to be the "recorder" (they'll fill out the team roster)
  4. Grab a set of discussion cards from your instructor

Phase 2: Get to Know Each Other 10 minutes

Go around the circle. Each team member shares:

  1. Your name and background
    • What's your major or field of study?
    • Where are you from (if you're comfortable sharing)?
  2. ONE thing you know (or think you know) about crypto/blockchain
    • It can be anything - a term you've heard, a news story, a wild guess!
    • Don't worry if you're wrong - we're all learning
  3. What you hope to learn from this course
    • What brought you here?
    • What questions do you want answered?

Discussion Cards (Optional): If you finish early or want to dig deeper, pick a discussion card from your deck and share your thoughts!

Phase 3: Create Your Team Identity 5 minutes

  1. Choose a team name
    • Crypto-themed names are encouraged but not required
    • Be creative and have fun!
    • Examples: "The Hash Slingers", "Blockchain Bandits", "Satoshi's Scholars"
  2. Complete your team roster
    • Fill in everyone's name and contact info (optional)
    • Add your team name at the top
  3. Submit your roster
    • Give your completed roster to the instructor
    • This will be your working team for collaborative assignments this semester

Materials Provided

Your instructor will provide:

  • Team Roster Template - One per group
  • Discussion Cards - A deck of conversation prompts for deeper discussion

Download Printables

Team Roster Template Discussion Cards Instructor Guide

What to Submit

Team Roster

Your recorder should complete the team roster with:

  • Team name (creative and fun!)
  • All team members' names
  • Optional: Contact information for team coordination

Submit to: Instructor at the end of class

What Happens Next?

Your instructor will compile all team rosters and share them with the class. These teams will work together on selected collaborative assignments throughout the semester.

Tips for Success

  • Be welcoming: Remember, everyone is new to this class
  • Listen actively: Show interest in what your teammates share
  • Be honest: It's okay to say "I don't know anything about crypto yet!"
  • Have fun: This is about building connections, not testing knowledge
  • Think creatively: The best team names often come from combining everyone's ideas

Assignment Resources

Related Resources

Instructor Guide

© Joerg Osterrieder 2025-2026. All rights reserved.