![]() ![]() You can get a better understanding of why this works using a graphical approach. In general, this experiment in geometric probability is an example of a Monte Carlo method, in which a random sampling of a system yields an approximate solution. The proof of why this works involves a bit of meaty math, and makes a delightful diversion for those so inclined (see the Math Root below). In this Snack, we made the distance between the lines two times the length of a toothpick so we could just divide the total number of toothpicks tossed by the number that touched a line. A general expression of the approximation is below (click to enlarge): The method can work on any lined surface (hardwood floors are handy) as long as the separation between the lines is greater than the length of the object thrown. Count Buffon was inspired by a then-popular game of chance that involved tossing a coin onto a tiled floor and betting on whether it would land entirely within one of the tiles. This surprising method of calculating pi, known as Buffon’s Needle, was first discovered in the late 18th century by French naturalist Georges-Louis Leclerc, Comte de Buffon. But if you had the patience to toss toothpicks all day-or all week-and then averaged your results, you’d get an increasingly accurate estimate. At 6, the idea for her is to simply build any stable structure.Depending on how many toothpicks you tossed, your approximation of pi may or may not be impressively close. She also scanned all the structures she made and looked for dangling marshmallows and reinforced them with more toothpicks. This activity gave us an opportunity to talk about sides and vertices. Slowly we moved away from squares and towards tetrahedron-like structures. We tried very simple structures first starting off with a square. She tried to start building again from scratch but fixing the unstable one was a challenge and I wanted her to try that route before starting from scratch again. She had to go back and fix the same structure and make it more stable. Some structures felt flat, mostly because of the base. It was a great lesson in structural balance. She needed a lot of patience and careful finger movements to hold onto a mini marshmallow and connect 2 marshmallows with a tooth pick. This entire activity was great for her developing fine motor skills. My 6 year went right ahead and started constructing. However skewers would be a better option if you are looking for sturdier and more complex structures while using the big ones. Jumbo marshmallow structures with toothpicks were also possible. Mini marshmallows were of course easier to build with tooth picks. Well the 6 y.o loves building and 4 y.o is trying to keep up. I later invited the children and simply mentioned that they can build structures with the materials in front of them. ![]() I laid out our dried and dusted rainbow marshmallowsalong with toothpicks on a couple of clear trays. We rainbow colored and painted those marshmallows and they were pretty much begging us to be used in a fun building activity. At Kids Play Box we recently shared a couple of fun and quirky art projects- painting jumbo marshmallows and coloring mini marshmallows. Today we are creating and building with rainbow marshmallows. Since I love a good color explosion I try to make the projects into a rainbow theme. I enjoy creating play and art recipes with my kids. ![]() I’m Suja and I blog over at Kids Play Boxwhere we share many art projects, crafts and sensory play ideas. While Anna is soaking in her brand new baby boy, today’s post is presented to you by me. Right? Her giant archive of i nvitations to playalone has helped me through some of my kids’ hard younger toddler years. I don’t have to tell you how awesome she is or else you won’t be here. This is the next in our series of fabulous guest posts from talented blog friends around the world. Create some beautiful rainbow marshmallow and toothpick structures in this gorgeous, mathematical invitation to play for kids! Great for problem solving and developing maths and construction skills, this is a great boredom-busting activity that’s sure to appeal to all ages. ![]()
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