Marshmallow Figures

Inspire mathematicians to see how ratio concepts can be used to plan a class bash! They determine which candy is the best deal. They alter a recipe to produce enough baked treats. They select the most cost-effective contents for a goodie...

Students identify, investigate, sort, classify, and compare and contrast differences in two-dimensional and three-dimensional figures. They construct three-dimensional figures (polyhedra) by using two-dimensional figures (polygons).

Fifth graders examine geometric figures. In this geometry lesson, 5th graders examine figures and define perpendicular, parallel, skew line pairs, segments, rays, and angles. Students categorize 2- and 3-dimensional objects.

In this three-dimensional shapes geometry lesson, learners identify geometric solids and name their properties. They define "face," "edge," and "vertex," and construct geometric solids using marshmallows as vertices and toothpicks as edges.

Think, question, brainstorm, and make your way through a newsletter full of puzzles and word problems. The resource includes 10 different newsletters, all with interesting problems, to give class members an out-of-the box math experience. 

Fourth graders classify geometric shapes and figures. In this geometry lesson, 4th graders use cut-outs of shapes and identify the faces and sides of each shape. Students use marshmallows and toothpicks to construct various shapes.

How tall is your marshmallow structure? Using only limited supplies (including uncooked spaghetti noodles, masking tape, and one marshmallow), teams endeavor to support the marshmallow atop the tallest spaghetti structure they can build....

Students explore geometric solids. In this geometry lesson, students listen to the book The Greedy Triangle by Marilyn Burns, then work in groups to sort geometric solids into various categories. Students define geometric solids...

Students compare and contrast the characteristics of prisms and pyramids. In groups, they are given different colored construction paper to make rectanglar prisms. They identify the shapes of the faces and record the number of faces,...

Students reinforce geometric concepts by playing "Guess My Solid." Through a process of elimination, they determine the shapes of mystery solids. Finally, students use various materials to construct their own geometric figures.