Activity

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.

Female students trying out the marshmallow challenge.

Doing the marshmallow challenge

Students trying out the marshmallow challenge.

Rights: The University of Waikato Te Whare Wānanga o Waikato

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.

Published:29 November 2013