Engineers start with a challenge: • How to solve a problem • How to improve on something that already exists

They review information they already know, think of ideas and imagine solutions, plan something to try, build it and test it, and then think about ways to improve on that!

Here’s your challenge: What is the tallest freestanding structure you can build with 20 marshmallows and 25 toothpicks?

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!

If you need some help thinking of shapes, select the picture to download a PDF all about shapes.