The Marshmallow Challenge – A team building activity
The Marshmallow Challenge – A team building activity
- Games & Activities
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- Last Updated: 28 July 2023
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- Hits: 700
Overview
This hands‑on activity challenges teams to build the tallest freestanding structure with spaghetti, tape, string, and a marshmallow. It fosters creativity, collaboration, and communication under constraints, mirroring real‑world teamwork and the value of rapid prototyping.
Learning objectives
- Encourage creative problem‑solving within constraints.
- Improve teamwork via communication, roles, and coordination.
- Highlight prototyping and iterative testing (place the marshmallow early).
- Develop time management and planning under pressure.
- Build trust and leverage diverse strengths.
Setup & directions
- Divide participants into teams of 3–5 and distribute materials evenly.
- Explain the rules:
- The entire marshmallow must sit on top of the structure.
- The structure must be freestanding (no external support).
- Teams may break spaghetti and cut tape/string.
- Teams have 18 minutes to build.
- Announce time checks at 5 minutes and 1 minute remaining.
- At time, hands off—structures must stand unsupported for 5+ seconds.
- Measure height from base surface to marshmallow top. Celebrate the tallest and compare approaches.
Facilitator tips
- Encourage early testing—place the marshmallow early and iterate.
- Observe: planning vs testing vs iterating; prompt stuck teams with questions.
- Foster a non‑judgmental environment where all ideas are valued.
- Run multiple rounds or add variations to deepen learning.
Debrief & reflection
- What strategies led to success or failure?
- How did teams communicate and allocate roles?
- What role did prototyping and iteration play?
- How did time pressure influence decisions?
- Which team dynamics (trust, leadership, listening) mattered most?
- How can lessons apply to current projects?
Alternative activities
1) Spaghetti Tower with Constraints
Objective: Adaptability and creative problem‑solving.
Variation: Add constraints (no talking for 5 minutes; one‑hand‑only).
Benefit: Simulates real‑world limitations and builds flexibility.
2) Paper Bridge Challenge
Objective: Planning, teamwork, and precision.
Task: Build a paper bridge between two tables to hold maximum coins.
Skills: Engineering thinking, collaboration, time‑boxed execution.
Virtual adaptation suggestions
- Use breakout rooms for team collaboration.
- Send materials in advance or simulate with digital tools.
- Share a visible timer (screen share) for pacing.
- Use digital whiteboards for planning and idea sharing.
Related training material packages
- Building High‑Performing Teams – teamwork, collaboration, cohesion. View package →
- Communicating with Clarity & Impact – clearer, faster alignment. View package →
- Creative Problem Solving and Decision Making – practical tools for analysis and choice. View package →
Free assessment tools & quizzes
- Listening Style Quiz – strengthen team communication. Take quiz →
- VAK Learning Styles Questionnaire – tailor collaboration tactics. Take questionnaire →
- Explore more tools: Free self‑assessment library →
FAQ
How many people per team?
Three to five works best. For very large groups, run multiple heats and a final.
Can we substitute materials?
Yes—swap masking tape for painter’s tape, or string for yarn. Keep material amounts equal per team.
How do we measure fairly?
Measure from the table/floor to the top of the marshmallow. If it sags or collapses within 5 seconds, it doesn’t count.
Any safety concerns?
Watch for sharp spaghetti ends and avoid tripping hazards. Provide allergy‑safe marshmallows if needed.
Tips for remote delivery?
Shorten timeboxes, provide a materials list ahead of time, and keep teams small for easier coordination.
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