Building Strong Minds

Exploring Architecture & Life’s Foundations with Kids

Have some extra marshmallows left over from s’mores? 🍢 Put them to good use with a fun and simple architecture activity that gets kids thinking about strength, balance, and creativity—all while learning outside!

Why Teach Kids About Architecture?

Architecture is all around us. From the tall trees in the forest to towering skyscrapers, structures exist in both nature and human-made environments. Teaching kids about strong foundations, balance, and stability helps them think critically, solve problems, and be more creative in everyday life. And the best part? It’s easy, hands-on, and fun!

Simple Building Challenge: Spaghetti & Marshmallows

This activity is perfect for all ages and only requires two simple materials:

✔️ Uncooked spaghetti (or toothpicks for younger kids)

✔️ Marshmallows (great for sticking pieces together!)

💡 Challenge: Build the tallest, strongest structure possible! 💡

• Start with a strong foundation—a wide base is more stable.

• Experiment with different shapes—triangles and squares are stronger than rectangles!

• Think about real buildings like the Eiffel Tower in France—it has a wide base and gets smaller as it goes up, just like a mountain.

What Makes a Building (and Life) Strong?

Much like in life, a solid foundation and balance create stability. A narrow base can make a building (or even our lives) feel shaky, while a wide base provides support. Think about friendships and activities:

• Does your “foundation” feel balanced?

• Do you rely too much on one side of life? (For example, too much work and not enough play can make things feel unstable.)

• How can you strengthen you “structure” to stay strong and balanced?

A Strong Rock Foundation in Life

Just as buildings need a solid foundation of rock to stand strong, so do our lives. When we build our lives on strong values, faith, and supportive relationships, we create stability that keeps us from tipping over when challenges come our way.

Think about the parable of the wise and foolish builders:

• The wise builder built his house on the rock, and it stood strong against the storms.

• The foolish builder built his house on the sand, and it collapsed when difficulties arose.

Teaching kids that a strong foundation in life—built on faith, truth, integrity, and love—will help them stay strong through any storm is just as important as teaching them how to build a sturdy structure!

Learning Through Nature 🌿

Take this activity outside! 🌿 Look at trees, mountains, and even spiderwebs—all examples of strong, well-designed structures in nature. Nature is the best architect—kids can see firsthand how balance, weight distribution, and materials affect strength.

Keep the Fun Going!

• Try adding weight to your structures—how much can they hold before collapsing?

• Test different designs—what makes some buildings stronger than others?

• Look at real-life architecture—buildings, bridges, and even beaver dams!

By exploring architecture through play, kids develop problem-solving skills, creativity, and a deeper understanding of the world around them. So next time you’re outside, grab some spaghetti and marshmallows, and start building something amazing—both in play and in life! ✨

Ready to Get Started? Check out our curriculum.

Until next time—get outside, dig in, and let the wonder of nature lead the way!