Sweet STEM Fun: A Marshmallow & Toothpick Activity

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Why a Marshmallow & Toothpick STEM Activity? The Edible Advantage
3. Setting Up Your Marshmallow & Toothpick STEM Challenge
4. Beyond Towers: Expanding the Marshmallow & Toothpick Universe
5. The Science Behind the Sweetness: Deeper Dives
6. Integrating Art, Math, and More: The STEAM Connection
7. Tips for Success: Making the Most of Your Sweet STEM Adventure
8. Our Philosophy at I'm the Chef Too!: Beyond Marshmallows
9. Conclusion

Introduction

Picture this: A quiet afternoon, a curious child, and the age-old question, "What can we do?" Instead of reaching for a screen, imagine the delight in their eyes as you pull out a bag of fluffy marshmallows and a box of simple toothpicks. What might seem like just a snack and some sticks is, in fact, an incredible gateway to hands-on learning, a truly engaging stem activity with marshmallows and toothpicks that combines fun with fundamental scientific and engineering principles.

At I'm the Chef Too!, our mission is rooted in the belief that the most profound learning happens when children are actively engaged, when their hands are busy, and their imaginations are soaring. We blend food, STEM, and the arts into one-of-a-kind "edutainment" experiences, fostering creativity and curiosity. Just as our unique cooking kits transform complex subjects into tangible, delicious adventures, the marshmallow and toothpick challenge offers a perfect, accessible example of how everyday items can become powerful teaching tools, encouraging critical thinking, problem-solving, and spatial reasoning in the most delightful way. This post will explore the myriad benefits of this classic activity, offer detailed guidance on how to facilitate it for various age groups, provide exciting variations to keep the learning fresh, and show how it perfectly embodies the screen-free, family-bonding educational philosophy we champion.

Why a Marshmallow & Toothpick STEM Activity? The Edible Advantage

Beyond the sheer joy of playing with food (and maybe eating a few!), a stem activity with marshmallows and toothpicks is a surprisingly rich educational experience. It’s a low-cost, low-prep activity that yields high returns in terms of learning and engagement. This simple setup provides a fantastic platform for children to dive into the world of STEM without even realizing they’re learning.

Accessible and Engaging Materials

One of the greatest strengths of this activity lies in its simplicity. Marshmallows and toothpicks are readily available, inexpensive, and safe (with appropriate supervision, of course, especially for younger children due to the sharp ends of toothpicks and the choking hazard of marshmallows). Their familiarity instantly puts children at ease, inviting them to experiment without intimidation. The soft, pliable nature of marshmallows and the rigid support of toothpicks create a perfect tactile contrast that appeals to different senses, making the experience even more memorable.

Cultivating Core STEM Skills

This hands-on challenge naturally fosters a wide array of essential STEM skills:

• Engineering Design: Children become junior engineers, designing and constructing structures. They learn about planning, building, testing, and redesigning – the fundamental steps of the engineering process. They'll ask questions like: "What are we trying to build?", "How will we test its strength?", and "What went wrong and how can we fix it?" This iterative process of trial and error is invaluable.
• Problem-Solving: When a tower wobbles or collapses, children are faced with a real-world problem. They must analyze why it failed and devise solutions, whether it's adding more supports, changing the base shape, or using different building techniques. This fosters resilience and encourages them to "fail forward."
• Critical Thinking: As they build, children are constantly making decisions: Where should this toothpick go? Will this marshmallow hold? How can I make this taller or stronger? These decisions require logical thought and foresight.
• Spatial Reasoning: Manipulating objects in three dimensions helps develop spatial awareness, an important cognitive skill used in everything from reading maps to understanding complex machinery. They visualize how different shapes fit together to form larger structures.
• Fine Motor Skills: Pushing toothpicks into marshmallows requires precision and hand-eye coordination, strengthening the small muscles in their hands and fingers, which is crucial for handwriting and other daily tasks.

Introducing Fundamental Concepts

Beyond general skills, the marshmallow and toothpick activity offers concrete introductions to several scientific and mathematical concepts:

• Geometry: Children naturally explore 2D and 3D shapes. They'll discover that triangles are incredibly strong and stable, often forming the basis of sturdy structures like bridges and buildings. They'll inadvertently create cubes, pyramids, prisms, and more, learning their properties through direct experience.
• Structural Stability: They'll understand the importance of a wide base for tall structures and how different connections affect rigidity. They'll see firsthand how distributing weight and creating strong joints can prevent collapse.
• Balance and Symmetry: For those aiming for height or specific designs, understanding balance becomes key. They might notice that symmetrical structures often stand taller or are more stable.
• Measurement and Comparison: Children can compare the height of their towers, count the number of marshmallows or toothpicks used, or even measure the strength by seeing how much weight their structure can hold.

The Power of Play and Edible Rewards

At I'm the Chef Too!, we wholeheartedly believe that learning should be fun and engaging. The edible nature of marshmallows adds an extra layer of motivation and excitement to this stem activity with marshmallows and toothpicks. There’s a distinct joy in knowing that a small, sweet reward awaits after a session of concentrated effort and creative construction. This makes the learning process feel less like "work" and more like an exciting adventure. It encourages children to be curious, to experiment, and to fully immerse themselves in the experience, much like the delicious discoveries found in our monthly Chef's Club boxes! Ready for a new adventure every month? Join The Chef's Club and enjoy free shipping on every box.

Setting Up Your Marshmallow & Toothpick STEM Challenge

Getting started with this fantastic stem activity with marshmallows and toothpicks is wonderfully simple. You just need a few basic supplies and a willingness to let your child lead the exploration.

Essential Supplies

• Marshmallows: Both regular-sized and mini marshmallows work well. Regular marshmallows offer more surface area for multiple toothpick connections and can create larger structures, while mini marshmallows are great for intricate details or for younger children who might find them easier to manipulate. Stale marshmallows actually work better as they are firmer and less sticky. If yours are too fresh, leave the bag open for an hour or two.
• Toothpicks: Standard wooden toothpicks are ideal. You'll need plenty!
• A flat, clean surface: A kitchen table, a tray, or a cutting board works perfectly. You might want to cover it with newspaper or a plastic tablecloth for easy cleanup.
• Optional: A ruler or measuring tape (for height challenges), a timer (for timed challenges), a notepad and pencil (for recording observations or drawing designs).

The Basic Challenge: Build the Tallest Tower

This is the classic, go-to challenge that introduces the core concepts of structural engineering.

1. Introduce the Challenge: Present the materials to your child. Ask them, "How tall can you build a freestanding tower using just these marshmallows and toothpicks?" Emphasize "freestanding" – it can't lean against anything!
2. Hypothesize: Before they start building, encourage them to think about what kind of shape or structure they think will be the strongest or tallest. Will a wide base help? What about triangles versus squares? This pre-planning fosters early engineering thinking.
3. Build Time: Let them experiment! This is where the magic happens. Observe their initial attempts. Some might stack marshmallows directly, quickly learning the limitations of this method. Others might immediately start connecting with toothpicks.
4. Observe and Question: As they build, engage them with open-ended questions:
   • "Why did you choose that shape for the base?"
   • "What happened when you tried to make it taller?"
   • "What do you think makes a structure strong?"
   • "How could you make it more stable?"
   • "If that piece keeps wobbling, what could you do differently?"
5. Troubleshoot and Redesign: Encourage them to view "failures" as learning opportunities. If a tower falls, help them analyze why. Was the base too narrow? Were the connections too weak? Did they use enough supports? The iterative process of building, testing, and refining is a cornerstone of engineering and a valuable life skill.
6. Measure and Reflect: Once they've built their tower, measure its height. You can even take a photo to document their creation! Then, talk about what they learned. What worked well? What was challenging? What would they do differently next time?

Guided Inquiry for Deeper Learning

Instead of just telling them what to do, guide their exploration with questions:

• For Strength: "How can you build a structure that won't fall down even if I gently push it?"
• For Stability: "Can you make a base that will keep your tower from wobbling?"
• For Efficiency: "Can you build a structure using the fewest number of toothpicks possible, but still make it strong?"

This approach aligns perfectly with our philosophy at I'm the Chef Too!, where we believe in sparking curiosity and empowering children to discover solutions through hands-on engagement. Our educational kits, developed by mothers and educators, are designed to make learning complex subjects tangible and exciting, turning every kitchen into a laboratory of discovery. To continue fostering this love for exploration, consider giving the gift of learning that lasts all year with a 12-month subscription to our STEM cooking adventures!

Beyond Towers: Expanding the Marshmallow & Toothpick Universe

The beauty of a stem activity with marshmallows and toothpicks is its versatility. Once your child masters the basic tower challenge, there's a whole universe of creative and scientific exploration waiting to be discovered.

Exploring 2D & 3D Shapes: Edible Geometry

This is an excellent way to introduce or reinforce geometric concepts.

• 2D Shapes: Start with flat shapes. Challenge your child to build a square, a triangle, a rectangle, a pentagon, or a hexagon. Discuss how many sides and corners each shape has. Talk about angles. Why is a triangle more rigid than a square when pushed from the side? This helps them grasp the concept of stability in engineering.
• 3D Shapes: Once comfortable with 2D, move to three dimensions. Can they build a cube, a pyramid, a rectangular prism, or a tetrahedron? Discuss what makes these shapes 3D – they have length, width, and height, and they take up space! Explain how these basic 3D shapes are the building blocks for almost everything around us, from houses to toys.

Block Quote:

"Understanding geometric shapes through hands-on manipulation is far more impactful than just seeing them in a textbook. Children internalize concepts like rigidity and volume when they build with their own hands."

Creative Builds: Animals, Landmarks, and Imaginary Worlds

Let imagination lead the way! This shifts the focus from purely structural engineering to incorporating art and creativity.

• Animal Kingdom: Can they build a four-legged creature? A bird with wings? A long snake? This encourages abstract thinking and problem-solving in a playful context. They'll need to figure out how to make legs stand up or wings extend outwards.
• Famous Structures & Landmarks: For slightly older children, challenge them to replicate a famous building (e.g., the Eiffel Tower, a pyramid, a bridge). This blends history, architecture, and engineering. They'll need to observe shapes, proportions, and support systems.
• Imaginary Worlds: Encourage them to build anything they can imagine – a castle, a spaceship, a fantastical creature, or a unique house for their favorite tiny toy. This freedom of expression boosts confidence and allows their creativity to flourish, much like the imaginative themes in our diverse selection of educational kits. You can find the perfect theme for your little learner by browsing our complete collection of one-time kits.

Advanced Challenges: Testing Limits and Introducing Variables

For those ready for a bigger challenge, introduce specific parameters or additional elements.

• Weight-Bearing Challenge: After building a structure, test its strength. How many pennies, small blocks, or even other marshmallows can it hold before collapsing? This introduces concepts of load, force, and structural integrity.
• Bridge Building: Challenge children to build a bridge that spans a certain gap (e.g., between two books) and can hold weight. This is a classic engineering problem that encourages creative solutions for weight distribution and tension.
• Timed Challenges: Introduce a time limit (e.g., "build the tallest tower in 15 minutes!"). This adds an element of friendly competition and helps children learn about efficiency and working under pressure.
• Limited Materials: Provide a fixed number of marshmallows and toothpicks and challenge them to make the tallest or strongest structure possible with only those resources. This encourages resourcefulness and optimization.
• Earthquake-Proof Structures: Place the completed structure on a piece of cardboard and gently shake it to simulate an earthquake. How can they modify their design to withstand the "tremors"? This is a fun introduction to civil engineering concepts.

These variations ensure that the stem activity with marshmallows and toothpicks remains fresh and engaging, growing with your child's developing skills and interests. Each new challenge is an opportunity for new discoveries, just like how our I'm the Chef Too! kits constantly introduce new scientific and artistic concepts through delicious, hands-on cooking.

The Science Behind the Sweetness: Deeper Dives

While the marshmallow and toothpick activity seems simple, it's packed with real-world scientific and engineering principles. Understanding these underlying concepts can help you guide your child's exploration and answer their "why" questions.

The Power of Triangles

You’ll quickly notice that triangles are incredibly strong. In engineering, a triangle is known as the most stable two-dimensional shape because its angles are fixed. Unlike a square or rectangle, which can easily deform into a parallelogram when pressure is applied to a corner, a triangle maintains its shape. This rigidity makes triangles fundamental components in bridges (trusses), roofs, and many other load-bearing structures. When children build with marshmallows and toothpicks, they'll instinctively start using triangles to add stability to their creations, even if they don't know the mathematical explanation yet. Their hands will "feel" the strength.

Tension and Compression

As they build, children are implicitly exploring concepts of tension and compression.

• Compression: This is the force that pushes materials together. Think about the marshmallows at the bottom of a tall tower – they are being compressed by the weight of everything above them.
• Tension: This is the force that pulls materials apart. Imagine a toothpick connecting two marshmallows at the top of an arch – it might be under tension if the marshmallows are pulling away from each other.

While you don't need to lecture your child on these terms, observing how their structures respond to different forces helps them develop an intuitive understanding of these crucial physics principles.

Properties of Materials

Marshmallows are soft and pliable, acting as flexible joints. Toothpicks are rigid and linear, providing structural support. This activity highlights how the properties of different materials dictate their use in construction. Children will discover that if a marshmallow is too soft, it won't hold the toothpick firmly, leading to a weak joint. If a toothpick is too short, it can't span a wide enough gap to create a stable connection. This hands-on understanding of material science is a foundational element of engineering.

Understanding Failure as a Learning Opportunity

In true scientific fashion, failure is not the end, but a crucial part of the process. When a marshmallow tower collapses, it's an opportunity for analysis. Was it top-heavy? Was the base too narrow? Were the connections weak? This mirrors the scientific method: form a hypothesis (I think this will stand tall), conduct an experiment (build it), observe the results (it fell!), analyze (why did it fall?), and refine the hypothesis (I need a wider base and more triangles). This fosters a growth mindset, teaching children that mistakes are valuable sources of information. At I'm the Chef Too!, we encourage this resilient approach to learning, providing challenges that invite experimentation and discovery, ensuring every "oops" moment leads to a new "aha!" moment. It's how we help kids develop key skills and build confidence, one delicious adventure at a time. Consider bringing our engaging, hands-on learning experiences to your community. Learn more about our versatile programs for schools and groups, available with or without food components.

Integrating Art, Math, and More: The STEAM Connection

While the core of the stem activity with marshmallows and toothpicks lies in STEM, it seamlessly integrates elements of Art (STEAM), and even literacy, making it a truly holistic learning experience.

Art & Design (A in STEAM)

Building with marshmallows and toothpicks isn't just about structural integrity; it's also about aesthetics. Children can be encouraged to:

• Create Patterns: Experiment with repeating shapes to form intricate designs.
• Explore Symmetry: Try to build structures that are perfectly balanced on both sides.
• Focus on Visual Appeal: Does the structure look interesting? Could it be a piece of edible art?
• Color Exploration: Use different colored marshmallows for added artistic flair.

This artistic element allows children to express their creativity, develop an eye for design, and understand that engineering isn't just about function, but also about form.

Math (M in STEM)

Beyond geometry, this activity provides practical math applications:

• Counting: Counting marshmallows and toothpicks used, or counting how many shapes are in their structure.
• Measurement: Measuring the height of their towers, the span of their bridges, or the dimensions of their shapes.
• Estimation: Estimating how many marshmallows they'll need for a certain design.
• Comparison: Comparing heights, strengths, or quantities of materials used between different designs.

These hands-on math experiences make abstract concepts concrete and relevant.

Literacy & Communication

Encourage children to:

• Describe their design process: "Tell me about what you built and how you did it."
• Explain their challenges and solutions: "What problem did you face, and how did you solve it?"
• Draw their designs: Before building, they can sketch their plans. After building, they can draw their final creation and label the different parts.
• Share their learning: If doing this in a group, encourage them to present their structure and explain their findings to others.

This develops vocabulary, communication skills, and the ability to articulate complex ideas, further enhancing the educational value of the marshmallow and toothpick challenge. This holistic approach is at the heart of our philosophy at I'm the Chef Too!, where we believe in nurturing well-rounded learners who are curious, creative, and confident. Each of our monthly Chef's Club boxes is a complete experience, containing pre-measured dry ingredients and specialty supplies designed to spark this kind of multidisciplinary exploration. Ready to get started? Join The Chef's Club and enjoy free shipping on every box.

Tips for Success: Making the Most of Your Sweet STEM Adventure

To ensure your stem activity with marshmallows and toothpicks is a smashing success (pun intended!), here are some practical tips for parents and educators.

Safety First

• Supervision: Always supervise children, especially younger ones, due to the pointy nature of toothpicks. Consider using pretzel sticks for very young children, though they are less rigid.
• Choking Hazard: Marshmallows can be a choking hazard for toddlers and very young children. Ensure they are old enough to safely chew and swallow marshmallows.
• Edibility: While the materials are edible, emphasize that this is primarily a building activity, not a snack session. Have a few extra marshmallows set aside for tasting after the building is complete. Or, if you're really looking for a delightful culinary adventure, consider one of our one-time kits from our main shop collection which are specifically designed for delicious educational fun!

Prepare for the Mess (and Embrace It!)

• Surface Protection: Lay down newspaper, a large placemat, or a plastic tablecloth to protect your workspace. Marshmallows can be sticky!
• Hand Wipes: Have wet wipes or a damp cloth ready for sticky fingers.
• Easy Cleanup: The beauty of these materials is that they are generally easy to clean up. Leftover marshmallows can often be composted (if not eaten), and toothpicks can be discarded.

Foster a Growth Mindset

• Embrace "Failure": Remind children that engineers and scientists don't always get it right on the first try. Mistakes are valuable opportunities to learn and refine. Encourage phrases like, "What did we learn from that?"
• Focus on the Process: Shift the emphasis from the "perfect" end product to the process of exploration, problem-solving, and creative thinking. Celebrate effort and ingenuity over flawless execution.
• Encourage Collaboration: If multiple children are participating, encourage teamwork. They can brainstorm ideas together, divide tasks, and learn from each other's successes and challenges. This is especially valuable in a classroom or group setting. To support more collaborative learning experiences, explore our versatile programs for schools and groups, available with or without food components.

Document the Learning

• Photos: Take pictures of their creations, especially if they build multiple structures over time. It's wonderful to see their progress and the evolution of their ideas.
• Drawing & Journaling: Encourage them to draw their designs, label parts, or write down what they learned. This reinforces their understanding and strengthens their literacy skills.
• Display: Proudly display their marshmallow creations (at least until they get too sticky or collapse!). This validates their effort and creativity.

Adapt for Different Ages

• Preschoolers: Focus on simple connections, 2D shapes, and the sensory experience. Emphasize fine motor skills.
• Early Elementary (K-2): Introduce basic 3D shapes, simple tower challenges, and concepts of stability. Guide them with more questions.
• Upper Elementary (3-5): Introduce more complex challenges like weight-bearing, bridge building, and timed challenges. Encourage planning and hypothesis testing.
• Middle Schoolers: Challenge them with replicating complex structures, optimizing for efficiency (e.g., strongest structure with fewest materials), or designing for specific engineering problems (e.g., earthquake resistance). They can also delve deeper into the physics concepts.

By following these tips, you'll create an environment where children feel safe to experiment, learn from their experiences, and unleash their inner engineer. This type of hands-on, engaging learning is precisely what we strive for at I'm the Chef Too!, where our unique approach ensures every activity is developed by mothers and educators to be both fun and incredibly educational.

Our Philosophy at I'm the Chef Too!: Beyond Marshmallows

The marshmallow and toothpick activity perfectly encapsulates the spirit of I'm the Chef Too! Our mission isn't just about baking; it's about blending the delicious fun of cooking with the profound principles of STEM and the creative expression of the arts. We believe that learning should be an adventure, a hands-on exploration that sparks curiosity and creativity in children.

Think about how a simple marshmallow becomes a building block for complex structures, teaching geometry and engineering. This mirrors how we transform everyday ingredients into vehicles for scientific discovery in our kits. When a child makes our Erupting Volcano Cakes, they're not just baking; they're experiencing a thrilling chemical reaction firsthand, understanding acids and bases in a way a textbook never could. When they craft an edible solar system with our Galaxy Donut Kit, they're exploring astronomy, scale, and planetary alignment through tangible, delicious creations. And even beloved characters can make learning fun, like when kids make Peppa Pig Muddy Puddle Cookie Pies, learning about simple machines or measurement in a delightful, relatable context.

We are committed to providing screen-free educational alternatives that facilitate family bonding and create lasting memories. Our kits, like the marshmallow activity, are designed to be shared experiences, bringing parents and children together in the kitchen for joyful discovery. We know firsthand, as mothers and educators ourselves, the power of learning by doing, and the satisfaction of seeing a child's eyes light up with understanding as they manipulate, create, and taste their way to knowledge.

The marshmallow and toothpick challenge is a fantastic starting point for hands-on STEM exploration, but the journey doesn't have to end there. If you're looking to consistently bring these unique, educational experiences into your home, our Chef's Club subscription is the perfect solution. A new adventure is delivered to your door every month with free shipping in the US, making it incredibly convenient. Each box is a complete experience, containing pre-measured dry ingredients and specialty supplies, ready for your child to dive into a new world of discovery. It’s the ideal way to keep the curiosity sparking and the creativity flowing. Give the gift of learning that lasts all year with a 12-month subscription to our STEM cooking adventures.

Conclusion

The humble stem activity with marshmallows and toothpicks is far more than just a playful pastime; it’s a powerful springboard for developing critical thinking, problem-solving, engineering, and spatial reasoning skills in children of all ages. From understanding the stability of triangles to experimenting with weight distribution and designing their own unique creations, children gain invaluable hands-on experience in core STEM concepts. It’s a wonderful reminder that the most profound learning often happens with the simplest of materials and a spark of curiosity.

At I'm the Chef Too!, we wholeheartedly embrace this philosophy, transforming kitchens into interactive classrooms where learning is always an adventure. Our unique "edutainment" approach, developed by mothers and educators, blends food, STEM, and the arts to create memorable, screen-free experiences that foster creativity, build confidence, and strengthen family bonds. We believe in nurturing a love for learning that lasts a lifetime.

Ready to bring the joy of hands-on STEM learning consistently into your home? Don't miss out on the monthly excitement and educational value our Chef's Club delivers. Each box is a new opportunity for discovery, innovation, and delicious fun, all conveniently delivered to your door. Spark curiosity, inspire creativity, and create lasting family memories. Join The Chef's Club today and embark on a year-long journey of sweet STEM adventures!

FAQ

Q1: What age is a marshmallow and toothpick STEM activity suitable for? A1: This activity is highly adaptable for a wide range of ages! Preschoolers can focus on simple connections and fine motor skills (with supervision for toothpicks). Early elementary children can explore basic 2D and 3D shapes and simple tower challenges. Older elementary and middle schoolers can tackle more complex engineering challenges like bridge building, weight-bearing tests, or replicating famous structures.

Q2: What kind of marshmallows and toothpicks work best? A2: Regular-sized or mini marshmallows both work well. For marshmallows, slightly stale ones are actually better, as they are firmer and less sticky, making it easier to insert and hold toothpicks. If your marshmallows are very fresh and soft, you can leave the bag open for an hour or two to let them firm up a bit. Standard wooden toothpicks are ideal for their rigidity and sharpness.

Q3: How can I make this activity less messy? A3: While some stickiness is part of the fun, you can minimize mess by covering your workspace with newspaper, a large placemat, or a plastic tablecloth. Have wet wipes or a damp cloth readily available for sticky fingers. Emphasize that the marshmallows are for building, not primarily for eating, until the activity is complete.

Q4: My child just wants to eat the marshmallows. What should I do? A4: It's totally understandable! The edible nature is part of the appeal. Set clear expectations before starting: "These marshmallows are for building today. Once we're finished with our creations, you can have [a small number] as a snack." You can even set aside a small bowl of "snacking marshmallows" for them to enjoy after they've focused on the building challenge. At I'm the Chef Too!, we also understand the allure of delicious food, which is why our kits blend it seamlessly with education! You can explore our full range of tasty, educational adventures by browsing our complete collection of one-time kits.

Q5: My child's structure keeps falling apart. How can I help without doing it for them? A5: This is a perfect learning opportunity! Instead of stepping in to fix it, ask open-ended questions: "What do you think made it fall?" "How could you make the base stronger?" "Are there any shapes you see that are very sturdy?" "What if you added more toothpicks here?" Guide them to think through the problem and experiment with solutions. Celebrate their efforts and problem-solving attempts, even if the structure isn't "perfect."

Q6: Can this activity be done in a classroom or group setting? A6: Absolutely! The marshmallow and toothpick challenge is fantastic for groups. It encourages teamwork, communication, and collaborative problem-solving. You can divide children into small teams and give them a challenge, fostering healthy competition and shared learning. We believe in extending hands-on learning beyond the home kitchen! Learn more about our versatile programs for schools and groups, available with or without food components.

Q7: How can I extend the learning from this simple activity? A7: There are many ways to extend the learning! You can introduce different challenges (e.g., build the strongest structure, build a bridge, build an animal). Encourage children to sketch their designs before and after building, measure their structures, or write about their process. You can also introduce other materials, like spaghetti or gumdrops, to see how different material properties affect the outcome.