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Spaghetti Tower

Design and build to see whose structure can stand the test of time

PLAYERS

Minimum:

2

Maximum:

10

Ideal:

6

EXPERIENCE

Duration:

Medium

Physical:

Yes

Virtual:

No

CLASSIFICATION

Genre:

Presentation

Dynamic 1:

Dynamic 2:

Construction

Risk Taking

COMPLEXITY

To Play:

Simple

To Setup:

Simple

To Custom:

Intermediate

MATRIX

Instinct:

Think

Intent:

What

BONDING

Materials

VIRTUAL SETUP

+ 1 bag marshmallows per team

+ 1 box of spaghetti per team

Physical Setup

First, divide the group into 2-4 person teams.

Next, hand out materials to each team and explain the objective.

Finally, set the timer to 10-20 minutes.

Virtual Setup

Use breakout rooms as dedicated team work spaces. Teams then either instruct one person to build their structure or strategize together and build individually. In both cases, the tallest structure from each team is measured and compared to determine a winner.

Gameplay

Objective: Using only marshmallows and spaghetti, teams must build the tallest structure they can in the time provided. The structure may make contact with the table surface 3 times. It may not be propped against another object or human being.

Endgame: All qualifying structures are measured for height. The tallest wins.

Variations

Single Point: The tower may only have 1 point of contact.

Double Point: The tower may only have 2 points of contact.

Unlimited Point: The tower has no contact restrictions.

Widest: Instead of height, the widest structure wins.

Bombardment: Unused marshmallows can be thrown at other structures. No defense against the attack is allowed. Teams may pool items together.

Pulse Check

Q. Does everyone seem open to keep playing? Are the disengaged able to be more engaged?

Q. Are people having fun — smiling, laughing, in deep thought?

Q. Do you hear productive strategizing about how to improve round-to-round?

BUILDING

Think

Position the reflection around rational planning and communication methods:


  • Did this game illuminate any patterns in how you give and receive information?

  • How might it be helpful to know the preferences and tendencies of your colleagues?

  • Could your team benefit from additional or more diverse perspectives?

What

Position the reflection around goals and metrics, as well as the skills and roles to succeed:


  • What is one thing about you that would help your team members work with you better?

  • Did this game give you ideas about how to better advocate for yourself?

  • What strengths and talents did you witness, and how could the team better leverage them?

DEVELOPMENT

Please reach out to us for support around positioning this game for deeper learning programs and longer engagements. We often find that lighter game sessions can help set up team assessments and heavier reflections that lead to growth.

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