research teaming with marshmallows

Research Teaming with Marshmallows

As a team, you will need to construct a catapult that can launch a marshmallow the farthest distance.

Your team will need to determine how best to construct your contraption using the materials provided and a method for testing the consistency of your design.

You will need to demonstrate your design in a competition with the other teams. The catapult that launches the marshmallow the farthest wins.

Research Teaming with Marshmallows

The Challenge

Research Teaming with Marshmallows Be creative...

Cow-tapult from Monty Python and the Holy Grail

Your team must use at least 4 different materials to construct your catapult device.

Your team must secure your device to a stationary position in order to launch the marshmallow.

There will be 2 “disruptions” during the process that you must accommodate for.

Your team will have 3 tries to launch a marshmallow and record the farthest distance.

Research Teaming with Marshmallows

Criteria

ScissorsPopsicle sticksRubber bandsPlastic spoonsPlastic rulersTops from water bottlesDuct tapeMasking tapeMarshmallows

Teaming with Marshmallows

Materials

Let the creativity begin!

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Time’s Up!

Let the contest begin!

Awards!

• Best Marshmallow Launcher

• Most Creative

Leader

Motivator

Time and Task Manager

Mediator

Translator (across disciplines)

Integrator

Relater (good social skills)

Reflector (on the team process—what is working, what is not)

Defining and Assigning RolesResearch Teaming with Marshmallows

What makes a good research team?

What are good examples of group communication?

How did you define roles within your team?

How did the constraints/disruptions of this activity affect your team and ability to accomplish your goal?

What rewards/awards (other than tenure and promotion) could motivate researchers to participate in IDR?

Research Teaming with MarshmallowsQuestions to Consider…

Thank You!

Steven Varela; stvarela@utep.eduJanet Hill; jhill2@utep.edu