Philosophy in Action: Leadership and Marshmallow Towers

As part of our all-English International Path instruction, students are now engaging in a new Introduction to Philosophy course. This cross-curricular class helps them explore science, history, and society through ethical and reflective questions.

Our first activity, Leadership and Marshmallow Towers, challenged students to build towers under different leadership styles — assigned, leaderless, emergent, and democratic. Their reflections showed both humor and insight: “It doesn’t look great, but it works,” one student said of the earthquake-resistant tower.

This course is already opening doors to deeper understanding and critical thinking, helping students move beyond rote learning toward a mindset of curiosity and analysis.

Our first philosophy activity of the year was both fun and thought-provoking: building marshmallow towers while exploring different models of leadership.

1. Earthquake-Resistant Tower (Assigned Leader)

💬 Student comment: “It doesn’t look great, but it works.”

A teacher-led group worked under an assigned leader to design for strength and stability.

2. Tallest Tower (No Leader)

💬 Student comment: “It looks like a telephone pole… or maybe the Eiffel Tower.”

Without a designated leader, students aimed for height above all.

3. Representative/Artistic Tower (Emergent Leader)

💬 Student comment: “It’s trashy and amazing.”

Here, leadership emerged naturally, guiding the group toward a creative design — in this case, a racecar!

4. Bridge (Democratic Leadership)

💬 Student comment: “It wouldn’t work in this world.”

Students voted on their approach and attempted to construct a bridge.💬 Student comment: “It wouldn’t work in this world.”

Building Skills That Go Beyond Towers

While the marshmallow towers themselves may have varied in strength, height, or artistry, the true outcome was in the reflection: students thought critically about how leadership styles influence outcomes, how decisions get made, and how creativity, logic, and collaboration all intertwine.

Through these playful yet meaningful exercises, our students are already discovering what philosophy is really about: examining life, asking questions, and finding meaning in the process.