Year 5 to 8 Marshmallow Challenge
23rd June 2023
On Monday, the Year 5-8 classes got together to do a classic STEM challenge called the Marshmallow Challenge. This challenge has been done by many ages and many professions over the years as a learning and team-building challenge. In essence, each team must build the tallest structure they can, using a set quantity of sticky tape, string and spaghetti on which to balance a single marshmallow.
The following link explains the challenge as we ran it, with the amendments we made for our groups
Marshmallow Challenge Presentation
Groups were chosen to include all ages and abilities, as a key learning outcome is good group work with others of different ages and views. Planning time was given as groups were not allowed to ask for extra building resources if mistakes were made; they would have to be flexible and work with what they had left.
The teams discussed their ideas and debated their merits. They were able to draw sketches on paper to visualise their designs.
It looked as if many teams aimed for maximum height. These teams would learn that solid base and firm foundation is a key component that must be considered when constructing a tower.
The team of Taseen, Nicole, Sienna, Ariana and Vyan had the tallest structure at 37cm. However it did struggle to support the marshmallow and slowly bent, then toppled under its weight. The Team of Renisa Aiden, Sean and Lloyd certainly built the strongest tower able to support the marshmallow with ease, and standing at a height of 25cm
The teamwork was excellent, with all participants actively involved in sharing ideas and having a go. It was not easy! Although only two teams eventually ended up with a successful structure, the range of engineering ideas and techniques seen was impressive, with most groups having figured out that a wider, stronger base was required to support the tower. The winning team sacrificed height in favour of stability, whereas the second winning team’s taller tower could only support the marshmallow for a limited time.
What a great way to start the week- well done, teams!
