Marshmallow Challenge

Marshmallow Challenge

The aim is to enhance team working skills by creating a physical structure.

1. The teacher outlines the task to the students:

• Each team must build the tallest free-standing structure out of 20 sticks of spaghetti, 1 meter of tape, 1 meter of string and 1 marshmallow.  These ingredients should be placed in a paper lunch bag or envelope which will help to distribute them and will maximise the element of surprise for the students.
• The entire marshmallow must be on top - cutting or eating part of it disqualifies the team.
• The winning team is the one that builds the tallest structure measured from its base to the top - the structure cannot be suspended from a chair, ceiling or chandelier.
• The challenge lasts 18 minutes.  The structure must be self-supporting.  The teams cannot support the structure by touching or holding it.  If they do they will be disqualified.

2. The teacher organises the students into teams of 3-6 people. Each team should sit around the same table and work closely together.
3. The teams should use as much or as little of the materials as needed – they can cut it or break it up as required.  However, the teams cannot use the paper bag or the envelope as part of their structure.
4. At the end of the activity, the teacher measures the structures and asks the teams to reflect on the activity.
5. The teacher and the teams discuss the activity e.g. How did you work as a team, who took leadership, etc?

For this activity, the following materials should be provided to each group: 20 Sticks of spaghetti; 1 meter of string; 1 meter of tape; 1 paper bag or envelope; 1 marshmallow and a measuring tape.
This activity develops communication, leadership dynamics, collaboration, innovation and problem-solving skills. It teaches a lean approach to risk management and the value of continuous experimentation.

Inspired by: https://toolbox.hyperisland.com/marshmellow-challenge