The Spaghetti Noodle Tower Challenge

We've started our engineering unit in 2nd grade.  We learned that engineers design and build things to solve problems.  They use creative and innovative ideas.  We've also learned that there are many types of engineers.  Some may create new things, some take things apart to see how they work, and others study why things don't work. 

Our first task was to make a spaghetti tower using 30 noodles and 30 marshmallows.  The students were placed in groups of 3, and they had two science class periods to work.  The goal was to build the tallest standing structure.  Once the students got their supplies they got right to work with enthusiasm. 

Groups soon found that this was more challenging than they anticipated.  Spaghetti noodles are not strong building supplies and marshmallows are gooey.  Several groups had to design and redesign.  This can lead to frustration, and how the groups handle this frustration can definitely impact their outcome.  On day 2 each group received 10 more noodles and 10 more marshmallows to help build on or fix up the tower if needed.

On the third day we measured our towers and discussed the process.  Every group ended with a standing tower which is a success!  I asked the students what they found surprising about the process.  They agreed that the supplies were not easy to work with.  Some groups had started out with each individual building a separate structure, but they soon realized that they needed to all work together to make it work.  I asked the class how this relates to engineering, and they could see that engineers may have to try their ideas and design many times before it works. 

This is a fun project with so many great lessons!