How to Build a Tall Spaghetti and Marshmallow Tower

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Step 1: Construct the Pyramid Foundation Units

Start by building two pyramids, with four marshmallows at the base, and one marshmallow at the top. Use 1/2 length strands of spaghetti to connect the base marshmallows and full length strands to connect the base marshmallows to the marshmallow at the top. Push the spaghetti deep into the marshmallow, it provides more grip (see fig. B).

Step 2: Make a 'baseless' pyramid

Push four full-length spaghetti strands into a marshmallow to form a 'baseless' pyramid. This will be used to connect the two complete pyramids.

Step 3: Join three pyramids

Take the two completed pyramids and space them a pyramid distance apart. Push the four spaghetti stands of the 'baseless' pyramid into the marshmallows at the base of the completed pyramids. Use two 1/2 length strands of spaghetti to connect the base marshmallows.

Step 4: Complete the Base Grid

Complete another row of three pyramids by repeating steps 1-3.

Place the two rows a pyramid distance apart and connect the two rows with three more baseless pyramids (remember to also connect the base marshmallows with 1/2 length spaghetti strands).

Add one last row of pyramids by connecting three more baseless pyramids, this time you'll only be able to join them on one side. On the other side you'll need to push the floating strands into four marshmallows, that you then inter-connect using more 1/2 length spaghetti strands.

Step 5: Connect the tops

Connect the tops of the pyramids with perpendicular cross-braces (not diagonal cross-braces) using 1/2 lengths of spaghetti to complete the first layer.

Step 6: Assemble the Second Pyramid Layer

Using the techniques you have already learned. Build a second layer of pyramids on top of the first layer, this one will consist of two rows of three pyramids.

Step 7: Create the Square Transition and Bracing

For layer three, you have to change tack. You need to build a cross-braced square base for the 'spire'. Start by connecting the six marshmallows at the top of layer two to four marshmallows in square formation (each connected via three spaghetti strands). Add diagonal cross braces to provide extra rigidity, follow the illustration closely.

Step 8: Install Lower Flying Buttress Supports

Construct two 'flying buttresses' on opposite sides of layer three, each made from a single marshmallow supported by spaghetti strands, this will help support the spire.

Step 9: Build the Triple-Cube Spire Core

Make the spire separately, we'll join it later. Construct three cubes with the base cube the same size as the four marshmallows in layer three. Add DIAGONAL cross braces to each side, and across OPPOSITE sides, otherwise the cubes will collapse. Make the top of the layer five cube slightly smaller, to provide rigidty.

Step 10: Attach Mirror-Image Flying Buttresses

Add two more flying buttresses, the mirror opposite to the ones you added to layer three.

Step 11: Add the Tapered Spire Point

To complete the spire add a baseless pyramid onto the top cube, to give the spire a nice point!

Step 12: Align the Spire with the Base

Building the spire separately means you can transport it easily in a car. When you are ready to join them, lower the spire onto the top of layer three, aligning the 'flying buttresses'.

Step 13: Interlock the Flying Buttress Joints

To securely connect the spire, push short strands of spaghetti through the two touching marshmallows in each 'flying buttress'.

Step 14: Adding a Load

A popular requirement for school science challenges is for the tower to support an egg. To do that simply push short strands of spaghetti into the marshmallow at the top of the spire, making a 'nest', on which you can balance an egg.