Introduction

This is the last of the workshops and so is a fun event. The children devide into small groups of about 4 and are given some resources namely marshmallows and dried spaghetti. They have to construct the tallest tower using the materials. There is a big temptation for the children to eat the marshmallows but most of them can hold off if you say they only have a limited number to use to make their tower.

Tips

The secret to make the tower is to use pyramids rather than cuboids. The best pyramid to use is the tetrahedron.


I usually start by making 3 tetrahedrons and then linking them together to form a new tetrahedron using the 3 tops as base corners of the new pyramid. To gain extra height I stick a straw vertically up in the top most marshmallow.

I usually offer the winning group some edible prize and everyone is allowed to eat their marshmallows. It can get quite messy with alot of spaghetti on the floor and the marshmallows leaving sticky residues on tables so leave at least 20 minutes to tidy up and have a damp cloth handy.