The Marshmallow Challenge

The Setup Teams of 4 or 5 18 minutes 20 sticks of spaghetti 1 m of masking tape 1 m of string 1 marshmallow

Learning Goal: I will collaborate with my group while actively participating in the marshmallow challenge by contributing my ideas and thoughts. Core Competencies Communication – collaborating and exchanging information Creative and Critical Thinking Personal and Social Responsibility

The Rules The winning team is the one that has the tallest freestanding structure measured from the floor (or top of desk) to the top of the marshmallow. The entire marshmallow needs to be on top of the structure. The team can use as many or as few of the 20 spaghetti sticks, as much or as little of the string or tape. Teams are free to break the spaghetti, cut up the tape and string to create new structures. Teams cannot hold on to the structure when time runs out. Those touching or supporting the structure at the end of the exercise will be disqualified.

The Plan Your team has 18 minutes to build your structure. All group members should be handling the materials and helping to build the structure. Noise level should be classroom appropriate so you don’t disturb other teams. When the 18 minutes is over no one should be touching the structure.  The marshmallow must be at the top. Timer

Reflection Share an effective strategy your team used to build your structure. What skills are necessary for good collaboration? How did your team communicate during this activity? If we did this activity again, what would you do differently next time?