Melt away the homework blues with this activity that combines a classic treat with educational fun!
Download a PDF of this activity’s “recipe” to add to your family activity binder.
What You’ll Need
- Mini marshmallows
- Hot chocolate
- Rounded toothpicks
- Mugs
How to Play
1. Create floating structures with marshmallows and toothpicks.
2. Fill a mug for each player with hot chocolate.
3. Place structures in hot chocolate; let them melt.
4. The player whose final marshmallow is last to touch the hot chocolate wins!
Important Safety Note
Count the number of marshmallows used for each structure. Before drinking the hot chocolate, count to make sure all toothpicks are removed from the cup, as some may hide at the bottom. Do not let anyone drink the hot chocolate until all toothpicks are counted and removed.
Adaptations
1. If your mugs are too thin, use a bowl or ramekin to fit wider structures.
2. Limit the number of marshmallows or toothpicks that players can use.
Conversation Starter
Rather than letting marshmallows melt completely, remove the structures from the mugs after two minutes. For comparison, have a mug where the marshmallows go straight into the hot chocolate (no structure). How did the marshmallows do when they worked together vs. alone? Talk about how we gain strength by working together. Whom can you help?
Why This Activity Matters
It’s important to introduce your kids to new fields of study. Do you have a budding engineer in your family who doesn’t know it yet? This game may help you find out! Either way, it’s a fun and simple way to start teaching basic STEM skills.