STEM: Spaghetti and Marshmallow Challenge
Students will build the tallest free-standing structure with spaghetti sticks and marshmallows. They will explore the design process: brainstorming, prototyping, reflection and iteration.It encourages creativity and problem solving skills.
J Mehta M.S. B.Ed.- Astronomy-Sc-Human Body-Coding
Average rating:
4.7
Number of reviews:(919)
What's included
1 live meeting
40 mins in-class hoursClass Experience
Students will explore the design process: thinking, hands-on doing, prototyping, and iteration. It encourages design mindset, creativity and problem solving skills. First 2 minutes will be introduction of the teacher and the participants. Next 5 minutes will be watching a video together on a similar challenge discussing the challenge and the constraints. Next 5 minutes will be brainstorming and putting their design ideas (ideation) on a sheet of paper. Next 15 minutes will be designing their spaghetti tower choosing their best design. Next 3 minutes will be testing their tower. Next 3 minutes will be reflection on their design and redesign if need be. Next 2 minutes will be the final test of their prototype. Next 5 minutes will be each one sharing their idea and what worked for them and what did not and how they would want to improve if given another chance. The structure is measured from the tabletop surface to the top of the marshmallow. Students should be ready with the materials mentioned in the 'Learner Supply List' section below. Thanks.:)
Learning Goals
Students will practice the design process that includes thinking(ideation), designing, prototyping, iteration, problem solving and reflection. They will also learn the importance of accurate measurement in science.
What building techniques make the tower stronger?
Does the placing of the marshmallows affect the strength of the tower?
Could you build a stronger tower with more of the same materials? What alternative materials would be better?
Does the size or the shape of the base alter the strength of the tower?
Other Details
Supply List
Please make sure you have the following materials ready for use: :) 1. 20 sticks of dry spaghetti. 2. 8 large marshmallow---7 can be used in building the structure and one marshmallow has to be on the top of the structure. (If for some reason you do not have enough marshmallow then you may use a similar size of bread piece). 3. 12 inches of tape. 4. A sheet of blank paper and a pencil with eraser for ideation and drawing designs of our structure. 5. 12 inches of string/yarn/thread ( if we all have it available and if we all decide to use that for our prototype). 6. A measuring tape or scale or a ruler. 7. A scratch paper or plastic sheet on the table to be able to clean up the mess at the end.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined March, 2020
4.7
919reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
Non-US Teaching Certificate in Science
I have been teaching design process for over 9 years of my total 30 years of school teaching. I am always excited to take on design challenges and finding solution to a problem.
I like the idea of brainstorming or ideation and then building my prototype, testing it, redesigning it and retesting it till I solve the problem. I enjoy the process of constant reflection and improvement and to make things better.This helps me to relate my observation to real-life situations and finding solution to any need or problem.Reviews
Live One-Time Class
$12
per classMeets once
40 min
Completed by 305 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 6-10
2-10 learners per class
