- 45min
- free
- 20+
- English, Italian
Description
The Spaghetti Marshmallow Challenge is a team building activity where small groups have limited time to build the tallest tower possible using only dry spaghetti, tape, string, and a marshmallow that must be placed on top.
It helps develop collaboration, creativity, problem solving, design thinking.
Method & Activity Information.
- Difficulty: Easy
- Session location: Palermo, Italy
- Test date: 25/07/2025
- Duration: 45min
- Costs: free
- Materials used: Dry spaghetti, tape, string, marshmallows
- Youth participated:
- Registration: none
Case Description
- Volunteers 16-30 o.
- The activity needs a classroom or open space, basic materials (dry spaghetti, tape, string, marshmallows), a group of participants, and someone to guide the challenge in a safe and inclusive environment.
- Problems: Some problems may include towers collapsing quickly, difficulties in teamwork, uneven participation, time pressure, or lack of planning before building.
- Topic & themes: Teamwork, problem solving, creativity, design thinking, cooperation, communication, leadership.
Method Usage
- School or Bottega (Libera headquarters)
- Country & city: Italy, Palermo
- Target group: 15-30 y.o.
- Purpose & reason to choose this method: This method was chosen to strengthen teamwork and problem-solving skills, while encouraging creativity and communication under pressure. It allows participants to experience trial and error, adapt quickly, and value collaboration over competition.
- Description how the session was arranged: The activity was done in a classroom with small groups (4–6 people). Each group received the same set of materials: spaghetti, tape, string, and a marshmallow. The task was to build the tallest free-standing tower possible in 15–20 minutes, with the marshmallow placed on top. A facilitator explained the rules and encouraged cooperation in a supportive environment.
- Brief description of the session results:During the session, participants experimented with different strategies and structures. Some towers collapsed, others stood tall, but all groups reflected on the importance of planning, sharing ideas, and working together. The activity stimulated creativity, critical thinking, and group coordination, and participants reported enjoying the playful challenge.
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