The Marshmallow Challenge is a fast-paced, creative engineering activity where teams race against time to build the tallest free-standing structure using simple materials — spaghetti, tape, string, and a marshmallow.
What seems simple quickly becomes a powerful lesson in teamwork, prototyping, innovation, and adaptability.
This activity is fun, competitive, and highly insightful, revealing how teams plan, collaborate, and execute under pressure.
How It Works
- Teams receive a set of materials: dry spaghetti sticks, tape, string, and a marshmallow.
- They are given a fixed time limit to design, test, and build the tallest structure possible.
- The marshmallow must sit on top, making stability just as important as height.
- Teams brainstorm and experiment through trial and error — testing ideas quickly and refining their design.
- Collaboration, clear communication, and role division become crucial as the clock ticks.
- The final structures are measured, and the tallest stable tower wins!
Why Choose the Marshmallow Challenge?
- Encourages creative problem-solving and rapid prototyping
- Reinforces teamwork, coordination, and role-sharing
- Boosts innovative thinking with real-time experimentation
- Highlights adaptability and collective decision-making
- Creates a fun, competitive, and memorable learning moment
What’s Included
📦 Materials kit: spaghetti, string, tape & marshmallows
📋 Challenge rules, timers & scoring sheets
🎤 Facilitator guidance, instructions & debrief
📐 Measuring tools for height evaluation
🏅 Optional prizes for winning teams
📦 Complete setup & event coordination
Core Feel & Engagement
Creativity & Innovation: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
Team Collaboration: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.5/5)
Problem-Solving Challenge: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
Fun & Competition: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
✨ A smart, hands-on challenge that transforms simple materials into big lessons on teamwork, creativity, and structured thinking!
