Geometry, Architecture, Chemistry & Cooperation (with Toothpicks and Marshmallows)

Two years ago we were studying shapes and I introduced this activity. It was a huge hit. Who wouldn’t love to build with marshmallows? As we revisited this project last week, it started a more in-depth study in geometry. We were making shapes within shapes. Naming them, finding the hidden ones, and shading them in with a Sharpie.

As we built, the project evolved into architecture for some builders. Buildings were erected.

Then a bridge was constructed.

They tried to bridge the tables but it began to fall apart, so they ingeniously built an underlying structure to hold it up.

The completely unspoken cooperation during this joint bridge project was so beautiful!

Then we started talking about how some of our structures looked like molecular structures. We took a look at the periodical table and their molecular models.

We started making simple molecular structures like H2O and CO2.

Then we found a more intricate structure – caffeine.

Jacob wanted to give it a try.

And we have – caffeine!

So much thought, ideas and fun happened during this project. I love when one ideas spurs the kids to follow their own ideas and turn one activity into another. We’re just here to do the research for them – to print out the molecular models or fetch sharpies from the teacher alley. They took this simple idea and literally ran with it!