The marshmallow challenge is a popular team-building activity used as part of free team-building activities and icebreakers for adults to foster collaboration, creativity, and problem-solving skills in groups.
Purpose of the Marshmallow Challenge
The marshmallow challenge involves teams competing to build the tallest freestanding structure using spaghetti sticks, tape, string, and marshmallows in a set time limit.
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This activity highlights the importance of planning, communication, dividing tasks, and working together effectively in teams. The Marshmallow Challenge allows participants to experience firsthand the frustrations and successes of teamwork.
Instructions
- Gather materials: 20 sticks of spaghetti, 1 yard of tape, 1 yard of string, 1 marshmallow per team.
- Form teams of 3-5 people.
- Explain that teams have 18 minutes to build the tallest freestanding structure using only the provided materials that can support a marshmallow at the top.
- Say “Go” to start the challenge. Circulate to observe team dynamics.
- Stop teams at 18 minutes. Measure each structure and determine a winner.
Cost: Under $10 for materials per team.
Resources Needed: Spaghetti sticks, tape, string, marshmallows, timer, measuring tape.
Time Required: 30-45 minutes total. 18 minutes for the build, 10+ minutes for debrief. We hear this from customers that have ordered our full set of courses.
Ideal Number of Participants: Groups of 3-5 people work best. Can accommodate up to 100 people.
Best Suited For: All employees at any level or students age 12 and up. Works for both established and newly formed teams.
Facilitator’s Role: Explains the activity, divides people into teams, times the challenge, measures structures, facilitates discussion. Does not assist teams during the build.
Participants’ Role: Collaborate, plan, divide tasks, communicate, problem-solve, have fun!
Debrief Questions:
- How did your team plan and divide up tasks? What worked well or was challenging?
- What communication strategies did you use? Were they effective?
- How did you handle disagreements or conflicts?
- What leadership emerged? How were decisions made?
- What would you do differently if you did it again?
- What lessons about teamwork can be applied to your real work?
Conclusion:
The marshmallow challenge is an engaging and insightful team building activity that can form part of three person games for team building that fosters creativity and brings out the dynamics of teamwork.
With minimal materials and time required, it can easily be incorporated into workshops and classes for people of all ages and backgrounds to enjoy.
The activity provides valuable lessons that can be applied to improve collaboration, planning, and communication skills in real work settings.
Build a bridge activities for team workshops can also be useful for your training sessions.
With over 30 years of experience in training and development, I am the founder of Oak Innovation, a company dedicated to empowering training professionals with high-quality, editable course materials. I hold a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree from University College Cork and have furthered my expertise with qualifications in Professional Development and Training from University College Galway. Since founding Oak Innovation in 1995, I have focused on helping busy training professionals and business managers enhance their courses efficiently by providing them with instant access to customizable training materials. Our training solutions have been trusted by leading organizations such as Apple, Time Warner, and Harvard University, reflecting our commitment to excellence.
