The Marshmallow Challenge: Fostering Team Creativity and Problem-Solving. Engaging Students in Dynamic Structural Engineering
The Marshmallow Challenge
The Marshmallow Challenge
Are you ready to embark on an exciting journey of creativity and teamwork? The Marshmallow Challenge is not just any game; it’s an exhilarating test of ingenuity and collaboration. In this challenge, participants are tasked with building the tallest freestanding structure using unconventional materials. Let’s dive into the details of this thrilling game and discover how it can enhance problem-solving skills and foster teamwork in your classroom.
Pre Challenge Preparation
Things you will need for each team – a table, twenty sticks of spaghetti, one meter of sticky tape, one meter of string and one marshmallow. These ingredients should be placed into a paper bag (or equivalent), which simplifies distribution and hides the contents, maximizing the element of surprise.
Things to consider
✦Spaghetti: Ensure that you use uncooked spaghetti. Avoid spaghettini as it is too thin and breaks easily. Fettucini is too thick.
✦String: Include string that can be easily broken by hand. If the string is thick, include scissors in your kit.
✦Masking Tape: Get standard masking tape. Generally, you’ll want to put the tape on the side of the table, the back of a chair or a nearby wall. Rolling it in the bag tangles the tape.
You will also need
✦Measuring Tape: To workout who the winner is.
✦Countdown Application or Stopwatch: The actual marshmallow challenge takes 20mins or longer (depending on your class) to complete.
✦Video Projector and Sound System (optional): For more impact, use a video projector to deliver the Marshmallow Challenge Presentation (or your own) and a sound system for music during the challenge.
The Rules
Be clear about the goals and rules of the Marshmallow Challenge. Use the Acrobat Presentation to introduce the challenge as well as to visually reinforce the instructions:
✦Build the Tallest Freestanding Structure: The winning team is the one that has the tallest structure measured from the table top surface to the top of the marshmallow. That means the structure cannot be suspended from a higher structure, like a chair, ceiling or chandelier.
✦The Entire Marshmallow Must be on Top: The entire marshmallow needs to be on the top of the structure. Cutting or eating part of the marshmallow disqualifies the team.
✦Use as Much or as Little of the Kit: The team can use as many or as few of the 20 spaghetti sticks, as much or as little of the string or tape. The team cannot use the paper bag as part of their structure.
✦Break up the Spaghetti, String or Tape: Teams are free to break the spaghetti, cut up the tape and string to create new structures.
✦The Challenge Lasts about 20 minutes: Teams cannot hold on to the structure when the time runs out. Those touching or supporting the structure at the end of the exercise will be disqualified.
✦Ensure Everyone Understands the Rules: Don’t worry about repeating the rules too many times. Repeat them at least three times. Ask if anyone has any questions before starting.
Start
Give each team 5mins together before they start building, so that they can brainstorm some ideas for the structure that they are going to build.
Start the countdown clock and the music with the start of the challenge.
✦Walk around the Room: It’s amazing to see the development of the structures as well as notice the patterns of innovation most teams follow.
✦Remind the Teams of the Time: Countdown the time. Usually, I call 12 minutes, 9 minutes (half-way through), 7 minutes, 5 minutes, 3 minutes, 2 minutes, 1 minute, 30 seconds and a ten-second count down.
✦Call Out How the Teams are Doing: Let the entire group know how teams are progressing. Call out each time a team builds a standing structure. Build a friendly rivalry. Encourage people to look around. Don’t be afraid to raise the energy and the stakes.
✦Remind the Teams that Holders will be Disqualified: Several teams will have the powerful desire to hold on to their structure at the end. Usually because the marshmallow, which they just placed onto their structure moments before, causing the structure to buckle. The winning structure needs to be stable.
After the clock runs out, ask everyone in the room to sit down so everyone can see the structures. Likely, just over half the teams will have standing structures.
✦Measure the Structures: From the shortest standing structure to the tallest, measure and call out the heights. If you’re documenting the challenge, have someone record the heights.
✦Identify the Winning Team: Ensure they get a standing ovation and a prize (if you’ve offered one).
As the final seconds tick away, structures stand tall, a testament to teamwork and creative problem-solving. Measure, announce, and celebrate the achievements, acknowledging the winning team’s triumph. The Marshmallow Challenge transcends the confines of a mere game; it’s a journey of discovery, collaboration, and growth.
So, gather your materials, ignite your students’ creativity, and embark on the exhilarating Marshmallow Challenge today!
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