Marshmallow Challenge By: Mrs. Bordeanu

Marshmallow Challenge You are going to be engineers. Rather than making a manipulated variable investigation, you are going to design and build something to solve a problem, using the science you have learned!

Your Team’s Job: To build the tallest free-standing structure using only spaghetti, string, and tape. The structure must hold one marshmallow on top. You will only be allowed 18 minutes to build and test the structure. Only these materials may be used: 20 pieces of dry spaghetti, 1 meter of tape, 1 meter of string, 1 marshmallow – MUST BE PLACED ON TOP OF THE STRUCTURE.

Engineering design

Step One: Research the Problem Research the Problem: Describe any scientific information needed to solve the problem and how to collect that information. What SCIENCE do you need to research to solve this problem? What things would you need to measure scientifically before you start to solve the problem? Describe any scientific concepts that are related to the problem.

Step Two: Explore Ideas Explore Ideas: Describe several possible solutions to the problem, including any useful scientific concepts.  Brainstorm possible solutions to the problem. You must have at least two different ideas. Have a scientific reason for each idea.

Rules/Design Constraints: 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. 

Rules/Design Constraints: 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.

Rules/Design Constraints: The building and testing stage lasts 18 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.