The document outlines instructions for a team building activity called the Marshmallow Challenge. Teams of 2-5 people will have 18 minutes to build the tallest freestanding structure they can using only 20 sticks of spaghetti, tape, string, scissors and a marshmallow. The goal is for the entire marshmallow to be on top of the completed structure. Lessons on prototyping, diverse skills and incentives will be discussed based on the results of the challenge.

1. Winter Team Building 2013

2. The Marshmallow Challenge
• 45 min
• Teams of 2-5
• 1 kit per team with:
–
–
–
–
20 sticks of spaghetti
Tape
String + scissors
1 Marshmallow
2

3. We also need
• Video projector
• Measuring tape
• Clockwatch: www.online-stopwatch.com
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4. Goal
• Build the Tallest Structure with the
Marshmallow on top.
• Rules
– The structure must be freestanding, measured from the table top
surface to the top of the marshmallow. The structure cannot be
suspended from a higher structure.
– The Entire Marshmallow Must be on Top.
– The Challenge Lasts 18 minutes.
4

5. 18 min ticking
5

6. Results
• Step back and let’s measure…only the
standing structures with the Marshmallow on
top.
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7. Lesson 1: prototyping matters
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8. Orient
8

9. Plan
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10. Build
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11. Ta-Da!
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12. Oh-Oh!
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13. Who consistently performs well?
Kindergarten
children do,
because they
prototype and
refine.
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14. Lesson 2: diverse skills matter
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15. Lesson 3: incentives magnify the outcome
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16. Conclusion of lessons 2 & 3
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17. Why conduct the Marshmallow challenge?
17

18. References
• http://marshmallowchallenge.com/Welcome.html
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19. Find out more
• On https://techblog.betclicgroup.com/

20. About Betclic
•
•
•
Betclic Everest Group, one of the world leaders in online gaming, has a unique portfolio
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Active in 100 countries with more than 12 million customers worldwide, the Group is
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