
Marshmallow Challenge
Social
Author: Ilse Fraussen
Facilitated by the teacher

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

30-60 mins

3-40 students

Whiteboard, various materials, pen & post-its

Steps
- 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.
- The teacher organises the students into teams of 3-6 people. Each team should sit around the same table and work closely together.
- 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.
- At the end of the activity, the teacher measures the structures and asks the teams to reflect on the activity.
- The teacher and the teams discuss the activity e.g. How did you work as a team, who took leadership, etc?

Reflection
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.
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.

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