Build your own Marshmallow Tower

Aim: To enable students to become aware of the engineering techniques used throughout the waterways of Ireland.

The Marshmallow tower worksheet consists of a fun activity which can be carried out by yourself or as part of a team. All of which can take place within a classroom setting or in your own home. The worksheet aims to link in with the following curriculum links:

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) 4th Class

Strand: Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths

• Talk and discussion • Active learning • Collaborative learning • Problem solving • Skills through content • Free exploration of materials • Investigative approach

KS2

Strand: Thinking Skills and Personal Capabilities (TSPC) Framework

• Managing Information • Thinking, Problem Solving and Decision Making • Being Creative • Working with Others • Self-Management

Build your own Marshmallow Tower what you’ll need:

• Spaghetti • Marshmallows • Measuring tape • Timer

Preparation and challenge goal:

• The challenge can be carried out in teams or by yourself

• Give each group getting involved a portion of spaghetti and marshmallows

• Gather a measuring tape to measure the tallest structure

Participants will design and build structures using spaghetti and marshmallows. They will build the tallest structure racing against the clock in the time provided by the teacher/parent using the spaghetti and marshmallows provided.

A. AMAZING TRIANGLES

Engineers design and construct buildings and infrastructure.

What structures can you make using spaghetti and marshmallows?

CHALLENGE INSTRUCTIONS:

• Your goal is to build a structure using spaghetti and marshmallows.

• You must use only spaghetti and marshmallows or other soft sweets.

• Construct your structure on top of the table. • Be creative! Use triangles and squares. Look up pictures of

different structures.

B. EARTHQUAKE IN THE CLASSROOM

Engineers construct buildings to withstand damage from earthquakes. Engineers strive to make buildings stronger to resist the forces of earthquakes.

What is the strongest structure you can make?

CHALLENGE INSTRUCTIONS:

• Your goal is to make the strongest structure. Redesign and rebuild and test again.

• Use your amazing triangles structures. • Test your structure by shaking the table back and forwards to

stimulate an earthquake.

C. RACE AGAINST THE CLOCK

Engineers work in teams to design, test and improve on their ideas.

What is the tallest structure you can make?

CHALLENGE INSTRUCTIONS:

• Your goal is to race against the clock as a team and make the tallest structure.

• Construct your structures on a flat surface. • You must use only spaghetti and marshmallows or other soft

sweets. • Rebuild and alter your structures to improve them. • Use measuring tape to see which team built the tallest

structure.