Marshmallow Challenge

"Oh, the pressure!" 
Students work together to make a structure
with limited time and materials.

On Thursday, we introduced how science and technology are related by making prototypes.  Students did this through the Marshmallow Challenge.  Students were given limited time (18 minutes) and limited materials (20 sticks of spaghetti, 1 yd of tape, 1 yd of string, and a marshmallow).  They were then told to construct the tallest free-standing structure that they could out of those materials within the time limit.  It was interesting to observe how students were able to work together under pressure (we had a few Oprah's Favorite Things lose your composure moments!), share ideas, and test things out as they went along.  After the time was up, we measured the structures that were still standing!  The top structure is pictured below and measured 28 inches high.  We will continue learning about the design process next week with the Watercraft Challenge and Egg-ceptional Packaging Project. 

The Marshmallow Challenge Champions!  Their structure was 28" high.