Just for Fun · Energize · Encourage Collaboration
Alibi: Ridiculous Edition
Two volunteers build an absurd alibi while classmates test it with very specific questions.
Time20–25 minutes
Group size8–36 people
FormatWhole group, Partners
MaterialsScenario cards, Timer, Optional investigator question sheet
What this accomplishes
A high school observation and improv game using fictional, harmless accusations. Opt-in partners coordinate a story, then investigators compare their answers.
- Practice close listening and specific questioning
- Create shared humor within clear boundaries
Before you begin
Materials
- Scenario cards
- Timer
- Optional investigator question sheet
Preparation
- Write absurd accusations with no connection to real misconduct
- Recruit willing volunteers only
- Arrange supervised preparation and waiting spaces
What to say
“Everything is fictional. Volunteers may stop at any point, and investigators question the story—not the students. Specific is clever; aggressive is not.”
How to run it
- 1
Invite two opt-in volunteers and reveal one absurd scenario.
- 2
Give them four supervised minutes to coordinate where, when, and what happened instead.
- 3
One partner waits in a supervised spot while the class questions the other for three minutes.
- 4
Switch partners and repeat with the same investigator group.
- 5
Compare answers and vote on whether the fictional alibi held.
- 6
Debrief which questions tested details without becoming personal.
Prompts to use
They replaced every hallway poster with pictures of potatoes.
They released forty rubber ducks in the front office.
They moved the principal’s desk three inches to the left.
They hid every working dry-erase marker.
Adapt it to the room
Small group
Use teams of three with written question cards.
Large group
Select a small investigator panel while others track evidence.
Virtual
Not recommended unless private breakout supervision is available.
Accessibility & inclusion
- Offer investigator, evidence tracker, timer, or judge roles.
- Never require volunteering or hallway isolation.
- Provide questions in writing and prohibit topics about real behavior or personal life.
Debrief, if useful
Which question revealed the most useful detail?
How did investigators stay focused on the fictional story?
Why it works—and what can go wrong
Why it works
A ridiculous scenario creates safe distance while two-stage questioning rewards memory, coordination, and careful listening.
Watch out for
- Do not use scenarios resembling real accusations or school discipline.
- Skip with groups where public interrogation or peer dynamics would feel unsafe.