Title of Activity: The Marshmallow Challenge

Number of Teams & Group Size: Minimum 3 people per group Maximum 5 people per group At least 2 teams

Logistics Needed: For Facilitator: 1 x Stop Watch or Count Down Application 1 x Measuring Tape 1 x Prize for Winning Team (Optional) For Video Screening: 1 x Laptop / Computer, with Internet Connection, or download the Video File 1 x Projector & Screen 1 x Sound System / Audio System / Portable Speakers 1 x The Marshmallow Challenge Explanation Video from Ted.com / Tom Wujec http://youtu.be/H0_yKBitO8M For each group - Official Construction Materials: 20 x sticks of Spaghetti (Uncooked) 1 x Marshmallow (Standard size of 1.5 inches across) 1 meter of String / Twine / Raffia String 1 meter of Masking Tape For each group - Supporting Materials: 1 x Table 1 x Scissors 1 x A4 Paper or Paper Bag 1 x Marker or Pen (For Planning)

Time Allocated: 30 - 45 minutes total, with exactly 18 minutes for activity

Goal: To build the tallest free-standing structure with the marshmallow on top, within 18 minutes

Preparation & Set-Up: Ensure sufficient materials for all groups. Ensure each group has sufficient empty space to build their tower. Use regular uncooked Spaghetti, avoid any other types of pasta. Ensure all 20 sticks (for each group) are approximately the same height. Stick the 1 m of Masking Tape somewhere to hang, such as the back of a chair, table, wall, etc. Preparing the items on a piece of A4 paper or in a paper bag makes distribution easier. Brief participants on the activity, before distributing the logistics.

Directions for Conducting the Activity: 1. Ensure participants are in the correct group size. 2. Brief participants on the Specific Rules. Clarify any questions. 3. Distribute the construction materials, and supporting materials. 4. Begin the activity immediately when the materials have been distributed. During the activity, move around and observe participants. 5. Periodically remind teams of the remaining time during the activity. 6. Once 18 minutes are up, call time and halt the activity. Immediately take the measurements of each groups structures. 7. Once the winning team has been identified, award them a prize, or ask the other groups to give them a standing ovation. 8. Proceed with the debrief of learning for this activity.

Specific Rules: 1. Total time for building and planning is exactly 18 minutes, no more and no less. 2. Teams are to build the tallest free-standing structure. The structure should not be taped, supported, tied, leaned, or held by / against anything. 3. Only the 4 official construction materials can be used; 20 sticks of spaghetti, 1 m of masking tape, 1 m of string / twine, and 1 marshmallow. All other items, including the supporting materials, cannot be used as part of the structure. 4. Teams can use as much or as little of the construction materials as they wish. No replenishment of the construction materials is allowed. 5. The whole entire marshmallow must be on top of the structure. It cannot be cut into pieces, and cannot be eaten. 6. Teams may break the spaghetti, masking tape, and string / twine. They may also bind these items together (spaghetti, masking tape, and string / twine). 7. The structure must be standing on its own by the end of the 18 minutes, until it is measured. Measurement will be taken from the base of the structure, to the tip of the marshmallow.

Variations: None

Learning Points: Creativity Teamwork Communication Using available Resources Working under Deadlines / Pressure Working within Boundaries / Limitations / Guidelines / Constraints Planning Importance of Foundation Making Assumptions / Hidden Assumptions Iterative Design Process - Prototyping, Testing, Analyzing, Refining Leadership Drawing on Prior Experience Flexibility, Adaptability Improving the Process

Facilitator Notes: Instructions for this activity should be clearly delivered, and any questions clarified, before distributing the construction materials. It may be helpful to use a visual aid to deliver the instructions, such as a set of presentation slides. Teams will start building or planning the minute they receive the materials, regardless of whether or not you have started the time count down. Thus, begin the time immediately upon distribution of the materials. During the activity, ensure participants arent cheating by using other materials in their construction. You may need to remind them of the Specific Rules. Enforce the 18 minutes time limit, so that youll be able to benchmark your participants against the global standard. Also take the measurements of towers that have fallen. You may wish to have participants discuss their learning for this activity, before proceeding with the debrief.

25 inches

37 inches

22 inches (Average)