College of Engineering – Department of Electrical Engineering

ENGG 405 TECHNOPRENEURSHIP

Activity No.1
MARSHMALLOW CHALLENGE

Group Members

Submitted to
Engr. Marjorie M. Salva

October 25, 2023

College of Engineering – Department of Electrical Engineering

Introduction
Write the background of the activity and its main points.
The Marshmallow challenge activity is a group task that aims to promote teamwork,
collaboration, communication, creative problem solving and trust to build the tallest structure.
This activity was introduced during the face-to-face class and our adviser reminded us to prepare
materials necessary for the task.
The premise of the challenge is relatively simple: teams are tasked with constructing the
tallest freestanding structure possible using only uncooked spaghetti sticks, tape, yarn, and a
single marshmallow, which must be placed at the pinnacle of the structure. The activity is
designed to encourage participants to work together, leveraging their collective creativity,
communication skills, and strategic thinking to achieve the common objective. Participants are
encouraged to plan meticulously, exchange ideas, and collaborate effectively to overcome the
inherent challenges posed by the limited materials and time constraints. As teams grapple with
the physics of structural stability and the intricacies of balance, the Marshmallow Challenge
serves as a dynamic platform for enhancing group dynamics, highlighting the significance of
open communication, the appreciation of diverse perspectives, and the recognition of the
collective strength that emerges when individuals work in synergy. Beyond its physical
components, the Marshmallow Challenge stands as a metaphor for the complexities of real-world
projects, emphasizing the importance of effective teamwork, adaptability, and the ability to think
creatively under pressure.
The task is time-limited and although nerve-wrecking individually and as a group, the
task highlights the importance of teamwork and resourcefulness. The goal was simple but the
process is tedious and requires effort from each of team members. Overall, it was a fun activity
for groups or teams to do.
College of Engineering – Department of Electrical Engineering

Objective

To build the tallest freestanding structure measured from the tabletop surface to the top of the
marshmallow.

Documentation
This section includes the pictures our group took during the activity. This also highlights
what happened on each scene and interpretation of the images.

Preparing the Materials. This part is where we were preparing the materials. Since the
activity requires specific count of each material, each of us took the initiative to count, plan and
start the challenge.
College of Engineering – Department of Electrical Engineering

Task Complete. This is where we presented the finished structure. We lacked in

documentation in the process of making the structure because of the time limit, but look! It stood
firm and we were able to put the marshmallow on top.

Measuring the Structure. This shows the proof of the measurement of how tall the
structure we made was. The measured height was around 80 cm.
College of Engineering – Department of Electrical Engineering

Final Checking. This highlights when our prof, Engr. Marjorie M. Salva, checked our
structure as well as the others.

Conclusion
All throughout, the challenge helped us realize various things. The Marshmallow
Challenge serves as a compelling demonstration of the pivotal role of proper planning, effective
collaboration, and the exchange of ideas within a group setting. Throughout the challenge, it
became abundantly clear that meticulous planning significantly contributed to the structure's
success, emphasizing the importance of laying a strong foundation before executing any task.
Although we did not win the challenge as the highest structure, we were able to say it was
successful because the structure stood tall and steady. Hitting the goal and doing our best were
some of the key takeaways we learned from the activity.
College of Engineering – Department of Electrical Engineering

Questions
1. What strategy did your team use to build the structure? Was it effective?
At first, the strategy that we used was try out things and ideas each of the team
member has. We then, tried things out ourselves and put the structure all together.
Each supported the structure and kept it intact. It was an alternate strategy, when one
holds the structure the other cuts tape or support the other end. It was effective.
2. How did your team work well together?
Our team did well when the time was running out. The first few minutes were
blank and we’re kind of making a trial and error way. But then, we were able to
communicate each other’s ideas and the team was very open to do the plan.
3. In what areas could your team have improved?
We could improve in the planning process. The communication was stiff at first
but as the time passed by, we understood that we need to finish the task. So, we
continuously communicated and coordinated.
4. What roles did the various team members play during the activity?
We had a rotational role since the time is running. Doing the alternate way, we
were able to do different tasks during the activity such as holding the structure, cutting
the pasta sticks, taping the joints, laying out the foundation, supporting the corners and
measuring the structure.
5. How did your team use communication and trust during the activity?
Through communication, we were able to exchange and say our ideas for the
success of the challenge. Although we were not as close as classmates, we were able to
entrust each other towards the same goal.
6. What aspects of teamwork did you use during this activity that you can apply to
your current work group or team?
Communication, taking initiative, participation and leadership are aspects of
teamwork that really helped us a lot. These are beneficial and we can apply this to
our current and respective groups or teams.