Marshmallow and Toothpick Structural Challenge
An introduction to 3D geometry and structural engineering by using soft materials to build shapes and towers.
- Takes
- 30–45 min
- Your setup
- 5 min prep
- Ages
- Ages 5–9
- Mess
- Some mess
- Cost
- $
- Where
- Indoors
How to do it
- 1Begin by demonstrating how to connect two marshmallows with a toothpick to form an edge.
- 2Challenge the child to build simple shapes first (e.g., a triangle, a square, a cube). Name the shapes as they are created.
- 3Once shapes are mastered, challenge them to build the tallest standing structure they can, focusing on a wide base for stability.
- 4Discuss why certain shapes (like triangles) are stronger than others.
What they're practising
- Geometry and Shape Recognition
- Fine Motor Control
- Problem Solving (stability)
- Spatial Planning