Looking for a fun, hands-on engineering activity for kids? This spaghetti and marshmallow tower challenge is a classic STEM challenge for kids of all ages! Learn how to build the tallest spaghetti tower using simple supplies while exploring real-world engineering principles—plus, grab a free printable worksheet to help kids plan and reflect on their designs.
What Do Kids Learn?
- Field of Science: Engineering
- Grade Level: 1st–6th
- Key Concepts: Structural strength, balance, stability, weight distribution, creative problem-solving
This spaghetti tower challenge teaches kids how to think like engineers! They’ll explore which shapes and structures can hold the most weight, how to stabilize a base, and why some designs are stronger. It’s perfect for introducing the engineering design process fun and engagingly.
NGSS Alignment (Simplified)
What will kids do?
Kids will use limited materials to plan, build, and test a spaghetti tower that holds a marshmallow.
What will kids figure out?
Kids will explore which designs and shapes create stronger, more stable structures.
What does this help them understand?
This challenge helps kids understand how engineers solve problems by designing, testing, and improving solutions using what they learn.
Supplies You Need
Each team or student will need:
- 20 sticks of dry spaghetti
- 1 yard (or 3 feet) of string
- 1 yard (or 3 feet) of tape
- 1 jumbo marshmallow
- Printable STEM Journal Page (get it below)
What Is the Spaghetti Marshmallow Tower Challenge?
Your goal is simple:
Build the tallest free-standing tower using only spaghetti, string, tape, and one marshmallow. The marshmallow must be placed on top of the tower and remain there for it to be considered successful!
💡 You can do this challenge as a solo activity or in teams. Encourage kids to be creative with their tower shapes and designs—no two structures will look the same!
How to Set It Up
Time limits make this challenge even more exciting. Here’s a suggested time breakdown:
- Planning Time: 2–5 minutes to brainstorm and sketch
- Build Time: 15–20 minutes to construct the tower
- Wrap-Up Time: 5–10 minutes to reflect, measure, and compare designs
💡 You can always adjust the times based on your group size and available time.
Engineering Design Process for Kids
This challenge is a fantastic way to walk students through the Engineering Design Process (free printable here):
- Ask:
How can I build the tallest spaghetti tower that holds a marshmallow on top without falling? - Imagine:
Discuss ideas as a group or sketch possible designs. What shapes are the strongest? How will you use the tape and string? - Plan:
Choose your best idea and draw it out. Think about how the base will support the rest of the structure. - Create:
Build your tower using only the materials provided. - Test:
Place the marshmallow on top. Does the tower stay standing? - Improve:
What worked well? What would you change next time to make your tower stronger or taller?
Use our printable worksheet to guide kids through this process and encourage reflection.
💡While you’ve got the spaghetti out, you will want to try this strong spaghetti challenge!
Spaghetti Marshmallow Tower Instructions
Step 1: Present the Challenge
Share the rules and materials. Let kids know they can only use what’s provided.
Step 2: Brainstorm and Sketch
Give time to plan and draw designs. Talk about structures they’ve seen—like towers and bridges.
Step 3: Build
Time to get hands-on! Let them build their spaghetti towers using the materials.
Step 4: Test and Measure
Gently place the marshmallow on top and see if it holds. Measure the height and compare results with others.
Step 5: Reflect
Use the printable sheet to answer questions like:
- What made your tower strong?
- What would you do differently next time?
- What was the trickiest part?
Free Spaghetti Tower Printable
Use this worksheet to turn the challenge into a meaningful learning experience. Students can plan their tower, draw their design, record measurements, and reflect on what worked and what didn’t.
Free Spaghetti Marshmallow Tower Worksheet
Tips for Building a Strong Spaghetti Tower
- Build a wide, stable base.
- Use triangles for added strength.
- Reinforce joints with tape.
- Use string to secure wobbly parts.
- Balance the marshmallow by testing weight distribution.
Extend the Learning
Want more low-prep STEM challenges like this? Try these next:
- Paper Bridge Challenge: Fold and layer paper to create a bridge that holds coins.
- Marshmallow Toothpick Tower: Build a tall tower using toothpicks and marshmallows.
- Gumdrop Bridge Challenge: Create a bridge from gumdrops and toothpicks that can hold weight.
- Paper Chain Challenge: Who can make the longest chain from one sheet of paper?
- Straw Boat Challenge: Build a boat from straws and test how much it can hold.
🔎 Explore our Printable STEM Challenge Pack with 80+ kid-tested projects perfect for classrooms, clubs, and homeschool! 80+ Doable Engineering Projects in one convenient pack!
❓ FAQs About the Spaghetti Marshmallow Challenge
What age is this best for?
Great for grades 1–6. Younger kids will enjoy the hands-on play, while older kids can dive into the design process.
What shapes are the strongest?
Triangles are one of the strongest shapes for building. Try making a pyramid base!
Can this be a group challenge?
Absolutely! Small teams (2–4 kids) are ideal for collaboration, communication, and teamwork skills.
What if the tower collapses?
That’s part of the learning! Redesign and try again.
