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A collective of educators and students engages in immersive art- and design-driven practice to reimagine higher-education and primary-school teaching and learning at, and beyond, the University of Teacher Education. 

Rooted in curiosity, care and attentiveness to diverse histories and voices, the collective offers open-ended impulses that anyone can adapt, question or extend across a growing constellation of educational hubs.

© 2025 Emerging Space Collective (CC BY‑NC 4.0)

Method: Inclusive Marshmallow Challenge

Overview:

In 18 minutes, each team uses up to 20 wood sticks, one yard of masking tape, one yard of string, and one intact marshmallow to build the tallest free-standing tower with the marshmallow perched on top.

  1. Materials Freedom:
    You may break, cut, or discard any materials in any quantities. Creativity and experimentation are encouraged; there is no required minimum use of any item.

  2. Marshmallow Rule:
    The marshmallow must remain whole and placed atop your structure. No partial pieces or substitutions.

  3. Free-Stand Test:
    Teams may steady their build until time is called. Then all support must be removed—the tower must stand on its own with the marshmallow in place.

  4. Time Limit:
    At 18 minutes, all work stops. Any team still touching their structure is disqualified.

Cultural & Contextual Sensitivity:
Recognize that hands-on challenges draw on varied cultural experiences with play and making. Offer alternative materials or accommodations as needed, respect each team’s pace and style, and ensure the exercise remains a supportive space where every contribution is valued.

Respectful Design Reminder:
Prioritize collaboration, positive encouragement, and shared learning over competition; celebrating diverse strategies and collective ingenuity.

Inspired by Peter Skillman