Engineering

Marshmallow Toothpick Tower

Question to Explore

How can we design and build the tallest free standing tower using only marshmallows and toothpicks?

Materials

  • large pack of toothpicks
  • bag of mini marshmallows.
  • paper for drawing out design

Variations

  • toothpicks and spice drops
  • spaghetti and large marshmallows

Procedure

  1. What do you already know about creating a strong structure?  Use this knowledge to draft a model of how you will create your tower.
  2. Create your tower.  If competing with a friend or sibling, set a timer for 10 minutes and see who can create the tallest free standing tower!
  3. Observe your tower. What are the strong points? Weak points? What could you do differently next time?
  4. Build again using what you learned to make an even stronger, taller tower!

 

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