learning coach tips:

Start with what you know…

• What shapes can you make with your marshmallows and toothpicks?

• Which of these shapes are strongest? (Wobble them to find out!)

• Think of a plan, and begin building!

To extend into a full engineering design lesson:

1. Students take the challenge (give a time limit, approximately 5 minutes).

2. After building, students measure height of structure, note the data.

3. Discuss observations. What strategies did students try? What worked, and what didn’t? Why?

4. Students consider ways to improve on their earlier design or approach. Try again. Can they beat their own previous record?

5. Discuss results. What was the most successful strategy? Why?

Other ideas:

Now, change the challenge! Using the same materials what is the strongest structure they can build? Can they build something that can hold a deck of cards? A book?

Use other materials to build with toothpicks such as grapes, gumdrops, or cheese.

Literature Connection