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Philadelphia Branch Event

Toothpick & Marshmallow Tower Challenge

Building Up Tomorrow's Innovators

STEMEPA's Philadelphia chapter hosted a STEM workshop that brought together young minds for hands-on building challenges and interactive learning experiences that foster creativity and problem-solving skills.

Event Gallery

Capturing the Magic of STEM Learning

Relive the excitement of our Philadelphia chapter's first event through these amazing moments

18
Participants
10+
Towers Built
100%
Success Rate
✅ Event Completed Successfully

Philadelphia Chapter's First Event: Architecture Tower Challenge

A successful launch event that brought together 18 young architects in Philadelphia

Event Summary

Location: St. Thomas Aquinas, Philadelphia
Date: August 31st, 10:00-11:30 AM
Participants: 18 kids (K-6)
Focus: Architecture & Engineering

Event Description

After a brief presentation introducing kids to what architecture is and what architects do, we split them into groups of two, provided marshmallows and toothpicks, and let them be creative in a competition awarding the team with the tallest tower Lego prizes. Snacks and drinks were also provided. The event was a huge success with 18 kids participating and 90+ photos captured.

Event Highlights & Achievements

What Made It Special

  • First official Philadelphia chapter event
  • Hands-on architecture education
  • Creative competition with Lego prizes
  • Community engagement at St. Thomas Aquinas

Impact & Results

  • 18 enthusiastic participants
  • 90+ photos documenting the experience
  • Successful community partnership
  • Foundation for future Philadelphia events

Event Moments

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15 photos captured during the event

Philadelphia Chapter: Toothpick & Marshmallow Tower Challenge

A hands-on engineering challenge for young architects from our Philadelphia chapter

Event Details

Where: St. Thomas Aquinas
When: August 31st / 10:00-11:30 AM
Who: Mentors (Jonathan, Abbas, Deniol) with 10-15 kids
How: Post on the Church's WhatsApp groupchat

Objective

Explore basic geometry and structural stability by building the tallest free-standing tower using only toothpicks and marshmallows.

🛠️ Materials (per team of 4-5 kids)

  • • ~100 toothpicks (or wooden skewers trimmed in half)
  • • ~50 mini-marshmallows (or small gumdrops)
  • • A ruler or measuring tape
  • • A flat tabletop or floor space

🗂️ Preparation

  • • Divide students into teams of 2-3 depending on ages (younger=bigger team)
  • • Distribute identical kits (10 kits of toothpicks + marshmallows)
  • • Clear an open area for building and measuring

⏱️ Timing (Total: ~90 minutes)

Intro & Presentation (20 min)

  • • Hook: Building experience discussion
  • • Introduce the program
  • • Explain what STEM stands for
  • • Explain what an architect does
  • • Competition instructions
  • • Show prizes for motivation

Design Phase (5 min)

  • • Team brainstorming
  • • Take photos of thought process

Build & Test (20-25 min)

  • • Active building time
  • • Extra materials at 2 min mark
  • • Document process with photos

Judging & Awards (10 min)

  • • Measure and judge towers
  • • Award Grand Winner (Lego Set)
  • • Team consultation shoutouts
  • • Photos with final structures

Wrap-up (15 min)

  • • Presentation on learnings
  • • Q&A session
  • • Hand out certificates
  • • Group photo

Key Highlights & Prizes

Prizes

  • Grand Winner gets Lego Set
  • Everyone gets Certified STEMEPhilly Architect Award

Special Recognition

  • • Best looking structure
  • • Most efficient use of materials
  • • Most creative design
  • • Best teamwork

Philadelphia Chapter: Franklin Institute Trip

An exciting field trip from our Philadelphia chapter to launch new initiatives

Trip Requirements

Chaperones: Need two chaperones ($10 each)
Minimum Group: Need at least 15 people to go
Mentors: Three mentors (us)
Students: At least 10 kids

Planning Focus

This is a celebration trip to launch our new initiatives. Focus on building excitement and community engagement while providing an enriching educational experience.

Join Our Philadelphia Chapter

Stay connected with our Philadelphia chapter and get updates on upcoming STEM events and opportunities. Follow our journey as we expand STEM education across Philadelphia communities.