Marshmallow Challenge

The Marshmallow Challenge is a playful exercise that allows participants to explore collaboration, creativity, and project management. Teams must construct the tallest possible structure using spaghetti and a marshmallow, revealing team dynamics and hidden assumptions.

Walkthrough

1. 1

   Introduction and Team Formation

   5 min

   The facilitator begins by presenting the objectives of the Marshmallow Challenge: to explore collaboration and creativity. They then divide participants into teams of 3 to 5 people. Each team receives a kit of materials including 20 spaghetti sticks, a metre of tape, a metre of string, and a marshmallow.

   Tip — Ensure that each team has a clear workspace to avoid interference between groups.

2. 2

   Explanation of the Rules

   5 min

   The facilitator explains the rules: teams have 18 minutes to build the tallest freestanding structure possible with the marshmallow placed on top. The marshmallow must remain intact and visible. The facilitator clarifies that participants can break the spaghetti and use the tape and string as they wish.

   Tip — Emphasise that the marshmallow must be on top to avoid non-compliant structures.

3. 3

   Construction

   18 min

   Teams begin constructing their structures. The facilitator circulates among the groups to observe team dynamics and encourage experimentation. They may ask questions to stimulate reflection, such as: 'How could you make your structure more stable?'.

   Tip — Encourage teams to test their structures during construction to avoid last-minute collapses.

4. 4

   Measurement and Evaluation

   5 min

   At the end of the allotted time, the facilitator measures the height of each structure using a ruler or tape measure. They announce the winning team, which has built the tallest tower with the marshmallow on top.

   Tip — Take photos of the structures for visual discussion during the debrief.

5. 5

   Debriefing

   15 min

   The facilitator leads a debriefing session to discuss learnings. They ask questions about collaboration, strategies employed, and surprises encountered. Participants share their reflections and what they might do differently.

   Tip — Use a whiteboard to note key points and ideas shared during the debrief.

Variants

• Add a shorter time constraint to increase pressure and observe reactions.
• Allow the use of scissors to cut materials, which may influence strategies.
• Conduct a second iteration of the challenge after the debrief to see how teams improve their structures.