Marshmallow Challenge
Build the tallest freestanding structure using spaghetti, tape, and string with marshmallow on top - classic team challenge.
18-30 min
4-40 people
high
basic
About This Game
The Marshmallow Challenge is a famous team-building exercise where groups compete to build the tallest freestanding structure that supports a marshmallow on top. Teams get 18 minutes and limited materials: 20 sticks of spaghetti, 1 yard of tape, 1 yard of string, and 1 marshmallow. This reveals team dynamics, planning vs execution, and creative problem-solving under time pressure.
Objectives
- Practice rapid prototyping and iteration
- Experience team collaboration under time pressure
- Learn about planning vs doing balance
- Develop creative problem-solving skills
How to Run This Game
Facilitator Script:
"Welcome to the Marshmallow Challenge! Each team gets: 20 sticks of spaghetti, 1 yard of tape, 1 yard of string, and 1 marshmallow. Your goal: build the TALLEST freestanding structure with the marshmallow on top. You have 18 minutes. The marshmallow must be on top and the structure must stand on its own when time's up. Any questions?"
Actions:
- Divide into teams of 4-5 people
- Give each team their materials kit
- Show example of what "freestanding" means
- Emphasize: marshmallow must be on TOP, not buried inside
Tips:
- • Have extra materials ready for damaged spaghetti
- • Clarify: you can break spaghetti, cut tape/string
- • Warn: marshmallow is heavier than it looks!
- • Set up measuring tape for final measurement
Facilitator Script:
"On your marks, get set, BUILD! You have 18 minutes starting... NOW!"
Actions:
- Start visible timer (18 minutes)
- Observe teams - note dynamics
- Give time warnings: 10 min, 5 min, 2 min, 1 min, 30 sec
- Watch for common pitfalls: planning too long, marshmallow added last minute
Tips:
- • Don't give hints - let them struggle and learn
- • Notice: who leads? Who builds? Who tests?
- • Common mistake: not testing with marshmallow until end
- • Kindergarteners often outperform MBA students at this!
Facilitator Script:
"Time's up! Step away from your structures. Let's measure each team's tower. Remember: it must be standing on its own with marshmallow on top to count."
Actions:
- Measure each standing structure (base to top of marshmallow)
- Announce winner
- Ask debrief questions: What was your strategy? What would you do differently? What surprised you?
- Share insights about iteration vs planning
Tips:
- • Many structures collapse at the end - that's the lesson!
- • Key insight: Kindergarteners iterate, MBAs plan then fail
- • Connect to real work: importance of prototyping
- • Photo the structures before they fall
Facilitator Tips
- Materials per team: 20 spaghetti, 1 yard tape, 1 yard string, 1 marshmallow, scissors
- Fun fact: Average height is 20 inches, record is 39 inches
- Kindergarteners average 26 inches, MBA students 10 inches
- The lesson: iterate early and often, don't wait to test
- Invented by Peter Skillman, popularized by Tom Wujec (TED Talk)
Common Challenges & Solutions
Variations & Adaptations
Send materials in advance, run on Zoom with in-person sub-teams
Deduct points for using all tape/string (encourages resourcefulness)
teams have used this game