craft projects that require building a tower

Other students read books to one another, work on homework and/or played tag outside. The Marshmallow Challenge was not the only activity during Lights On Afterschool. When the 20 minutes were up, students compared each team’s tower and discussed what steps could have been done differently in order to succeed. The combination of people’s strengths through positive teamwork achieves goals that no one could have done alone. This habit boosts creative cooperation, teamwork, open-mindedness, and the adventure of finding new solutions to old problems. This practice is Habit 6- Synergize, from The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. This exercise encouraged a discussion of different ideas and facilitated team building skills. “I did this at school, let’s use tape to hold the bottom!” exclaimed another. “We need a foundation!” yelled one student. “You have 20 minutes!” The students scurried and huddled over the table and started throwing different design concepts at each other. In a race against the clock, students worked in competing teams to build the tallest and unsupported structure. The Marshmallow Challenge is a popular STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) project that is suitable for kids of all ages and even adults. Grace Place is a proud to participate in this one day event and honored to offer a variety of activities to our afterschool students year round.

Lights On Afterschool is the only nationwide event celebrating afterschool programs and their important role in the lives of children, families and communities. In coordination with Lights On Afterschool, our Academy of Leaders put their engineering skills to the test and attempted to build the highest tower possible out of uncooked spaghetti, marshmallows, and tape. No, this isn’t your average arts and crafts exercise.

Uncooked spaghetti, marshmallows and tape.

Craft projects that require building a tower