The marshmallow challenge
The marshmallow challenge is an ideal introduction to several key aspects of innovation – idea generation, collaboration, creativity and teamwork. It‘s a simple experiential activity where teams of students are given a challenge to build the tallest freestanding structure that will support the weight of one marshmallow. They have 18 minutes to complete the challenge and are given a set number of building materials.
Doing the marshmallow challenge
Students trying out the marshmallow challenge.
By the end of this activity, students should be able to:
discuss their experience of working in a team for this challenge
identify some of the key challenges and benefits of working in a team
identify some of the key steps required to successfully complete this activity
identify some of the key behaviours required to successfully complete this activity
discuss what they might do differently next time
relate their experience to key information in the About innovation video clip.
Download the Word file for:
introduction/background notes
what you need
what to do
extension idea
student handout.
Useful links
View thought leader and award-winning innovator Tom Wujec’s TED talk on the benefits of the marshmallow challenge.
Visit the Marshmallow Challenge website.
