How to Build a Marshmallow Tower That Won't Fall

Learn the engineering secrets to building a sturdy, tall tower using only marshmallows and toothpicks. HowTo: Family Edition: family how-tos that actually help.

1. Build a strong foundation. Start by making a square shape on your table. Poke four marshmallows with toothpicks to connect them into a square. This base will act as the anchor for your entire tower.
2. Add vertical supports. Push a toothpick straight up into the top of each marshmallow in your square base. Then, place a new marshmallow on top of each of these four upright toothpicks.
3. Create a triangle frame. Triangles are the strongest shape in building. Connect your top marshmallows with toothpicks to form a roof or a cross-brace. The more triangles you add, the sturdier your tower will be.
4. Build upward. Continue repeating the process of adding vertical toothpicks and connecting them with marshmallows. If the tower starts to lean, add diagonal toothpicks to help keep it steady.