Marshmallow Challenge
Participants are divided into teams to construct the tallest free-standing structure using limited materials. This activity promotes teamwork, communication, and creative problem-solving skills.
How to run it
- 1
Prepare kits for each team containing 20 spaghetti sticks, 1 yard of tape, 1 yard of string, and 1 marshmallow.
- 2
Organize teams of 3 to 6 members and have them work close together in the same space.
- 3
Explain the challenge clearly: build the tallest structure with the entire marshmallow on top, using the provided materials.
- 4
Set a timer for the building phase, encouraging teams to maximize their creative strategies.
- 5
Measure the structures to determine the winning team by checking the height of each one with the marshmallow on top.
- 6
Explain that teams cannot use any bag or envelope in their structure and must keep the marshmallow intact.
Tips
Encourage teams to brainstorm ideas before they start building.
Remind everyone to communicate and share roles effectively during the challenge.
Allow for some time at the end to discuss what worked and what didn't in their approach.
Variations
Consider adjusting the materials or adding constraints, such as a time limit for design or requiring a specific style or base.
Where it fits
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Try it freeMethod descriptions on Workshop Weaver are original content written by our team, based on established facilitation practices. This method was inspired by work from SessionLab. Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.