Marshmallow challenge

Our class launched our S.T.E.M. (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) exploration today.  Students were grouped in teams of 4 and worked together to formulate a plan to make the tallest, free standing structure that could hold a marshmallow.  This activity was called the Marshmallow Challenge, click here to see the details.  Every group had 2 minutes to share their ideas with their group members before touching any materials and beginning this task.  Here are a few videos from the students as they explored:

Video 1
Video 2
Video 3
Video 4
Video 5

This is the only successful tower at the end of the
first 18 minutes, 2cm off the table.

             

What was difficult in this task for you?  

• it just didn't stay up
• the tape got all gunky and would not stick
• not everyone helped
• I didn't know how to tie so I could not use the string
• there was not enough time
• the table was slippery