An offering by Omaha Public Power District
OPPD Society of Engineers (OSE) is challenging fifth-grade teachers and their students by having them build the tallest structure using only spaghetti, tape, and string, topped off with a marshmallow, all in 20 minutes or less. The tallest structures will win prizes!
The contest is open to all fifth-grade classrooms in OPPDs 13-county service territory. Official rules are on OPPDs Marshmallow Challenge webpage. Entries are accepted until 5 p.m. Wednesday, March 8.
The Marshmallow Challenge uses math, science and engineering principles and the contest coincides with National Engineers Week, Feb. 19-25. OSE members judge the entries.
The goal is to promote problem-solving, teamwork and innovation. The challenge is part of OPPDs ongoing commitment to science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education.
OPPD will announce three winners, with the three tallest structures, on March 18. The winners will receive some OPPD swag, and if requested, a speaker to talk with the winning classrooms about engineering professions.
There will also be special recognition for the team that shows the most creative use of their materials, even if their structure is not among the tallest.
