Describe
The marshmallow challenge was attempted a second time as proof of improvement for both teams from the first attempt. Each group had two chances to build the highest structure with the same material restrictions.
Despite planning to improve upon the stable structure from the engineering group from last time, I decided to join the second group to experience what I perceived to be some sort of miracle. I needed to understand the process behind their success and obtain further insight. I also reasoned that the clashing personalities of the engineering group was going to hamper progress, so I resolved to take a secondary helper role in the miracle group.
My group first discussed a concept to build around--such was sorely needed due to the nature of the previous build. It appears that the original idea was to recreate a tepee with minimal effort to elevate the marshmallow.
Our group headed out to a slow start as we were on different wavelengths of what to do. Thankfully, the members were easily able to put conflict aside to create whatever they could. I had limited influence on the overall design and process, but I was supportive of the direction. Our first build edged out the more stable structure the engineering team had by utilizing string to pin down the towering noodle stick that held the marshmallow.
Our second build was more refined than the first such that it more closely followed the concept we planned for. It was a triangular Eiffel Tower that displayed an incredible height but swayed immensely. The process was smoother despite the instability of the structure. At the end, we maintained a healthy lead over the engineering group as the group cheered on.
Think/Feel
I am still honestly surprised. I have no adequate logical explanation for the phenomenon that occurred--it may be the power of collaboration, support, faith, or whatever. It was a joyful experience, but I can't remember enough of it to pinpoint the reason for success. One thing done by a member led to another thing done by another and somehow we ended up with a tall tower. The engineering group built strong, stable craft indeed, but their method likely did not convert the equivalent effort into competitive height. This is one mysterious experience that I find resemblance to camp activities where team spirit was emphasized.
Evaluate
As a member of the group, I relegated myself to a secondary role. I helped with the tape, making mild suggestions, and keeping group members on the same wavelength. This helper role greatly reduced my overall influence in the process, but at the very least I remained productive to the group effort. I seem to have trouble expressing my ideas to more dominant group members.
Envision
With emphasis on height and efficiency, I envisioned a structure similar to the Eiffel Tower build during the beginning of the exercise, although I failed to suggest such idea. The plan is to create up to four thick, long bundles of noodle sticks to stab into the marshmallow, resulting in a marshmallow with "legs" growing out of it. Such appears easy to craft, difficult to stabilize and fun to make. With difficult craftsmanship out of the way, the team as a whole can focus on heightening the structure with further efficiency.
Plan
I don't exactly plan on actually building my ideal structure. Perhaps it may be a proof of concept I attempt in my free time. If I actually had to build more structures, I may have to practice with asserting my leadership and ideas for others to follow.
The marshmallow challenge was attempted a second time as proof of improvement for both teams from the first attempt. Each group had two chances to build the highest structure with the same material restrictions.
Despite planning to improve upon the stable structure from the engineering group from last time, I decided to join the second group to experience what I perceived to be some sort of miracle. I needed to understand the process behind their success and obtain further insight. I also reasoned that the clashing personalities of the engineering group was going to hamper progress, so I resolved to take a secondary helper role in the miracle group.
My group first discussed a concept to build around--such was sorely needed due to the nature of the previous build. It appears that the original idea was to recreate a tepee with minimal effort to elevate the marshmallow.
Our group headed out to a slow start as we were on different wavelengths of what to do. Thankfully, the members were easily able to put conflict aside to create whatever they could. I had limited influence on the overall design and process, but I was supportive of the direction. Our first build edged out the more stable structure the engineering team had by utilizing string to pin down the towering noodle stick that held the marshmallow.
Our second build was more refined than the first such that it more closely followed the concept we planned for. It was a triangular Eiffel Tower that displayed an incredible height but swayed immensely. The process was smoother despite the instability of the structure. At the end, we maintained a healthy lead over the engineering group as the group cheered on.
Think/Feel
I am still honestly surprised. I have no adequate logical explanation for the phenomenon that occurred--it may be the power of collaboration, support, faith, or whatever. It was a joyful experience, but I can't remember enough of it to pinpoint the reason for success. One thing done by a member led to another thing done by another and somehow we ended up with a tall tower. The engineering group built strong, stable craft indeed, but their method likely did not convert the equivalent effort into competitive height. This is one mysterious experience that I find resemblance to camp activities where team spirit was emphasized.
Evaluate
As a member of the group, I relegated myself to a secondary role. I helped with the tape, making mild suggestions, and keeping group members on the same wavelength. This helper role greatly reduced my overall influence in the process, but at the very least I remained productive to the group effort. I seem to have trouble expressing my ideas to more dominant group members.
Envision
With emphasis on height and efficiency, I envisioned a structure similar to the Eiffel Tower build during the beginning of the exercise, although I failed to suggest such idea. The plan is to create up to four thick, long bundles of noodle sticks to stab into the marshmallow, resulting in a marshmallow with "legs" growing out of it. Such appears easy to craft, difficult to stabilize and fun to make. With difficult craftsmanship out of the way, the team as a whole can focus on heightening the structure with further efficiency.
Plan
I don't exactly plan on actually building my ideal structure. Perhaps it may be a proof of concept I attempt in my free time. If I actually had to build more structures, I may have to practice with asserting my leadership and ideas for others to follow.
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