The Marshmallow Challenge

To promote collaboration, rapid prototyping, and effective communication under pressure. This classic team-building exercise is a powerful demonstration of how diverse skills and clear planning are essential for success.

This challenge tests a team's ability to plan, execute, and adapt. The limited materials and time force groups to work together efficiently, often leading to unexpected discoveries about leadership and teamwork. The marshmallow must be at the very top of the structure, which is a key rule.

1. Set the scene by explaining the challenge: build the tallest freestanding structure that supports a marshmallow on top.

2. Distribute the materials to each team: 20 sticks of spaghetti, one yard of string, one yard of tape, and one marshmallow.

3. Set the timer for 18 minutes. Emphasize that the marshmallow must be on top and the structure must stand on its own at the end of the time limit.

4. Announce the winner by measuring the height of the tallest freestanding structure.

5. Debrief. After the challenge, facilitate a discussion about what worked, what didn't, and what they learned about communication and teamwork.