the science of play at work
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?