Young PHDs design the tallest model structure from straws and tape to support a heavy rubber ball for 15 seconds. At the first meeting they work in teams to solve the problem. Then they take materials home to work on a better design. Most of the structures designed for the second round were improved from those made during the first round. Model building is one of the steps an engineer takes in designing things to work.
Engineers often work in teams.
Spindley Structure Contest Guidance Young PHDs work busily in teams to solve the problem.