Structures-Toothpick Bridge Challenge
Skill Acquisition:
Desired Results:
Acceptable Evidence:

Study this link for parameters and ideas for this challenge:

http://homepage2.nifty.com/SUBAL/BCTOPE.htm

The contest results listed on the web link should inspire you. It is very hard to hold more than 30 lbs by just pouring glue in mass on sticks.

  • Build an elegant bridge using toothpicks and wood glue only. The weight may not exceed 100 g
  • It must span a 22 inch gap
  • a worthy bridge in 3 weeks time.

 
  • pics
  • movies
  • diagrams with arrows

Design & Engineer your bridge.

 

 Your bridge is able to hold the following weight from a paperclip attached to a ruler in the middle of your span:
  • 30 lbs
  • 60 lbs
  • 90 lbs
  • 120 lbs
  • Pics
  • movie

Challenge for week 4 of your rotation:

 

Build a bridge over the same 22 inch gap using only straws, pins, and pipe cleaners. The bridge must hold:

  • 1 golf ball
  • 3 golf balls
  • 5 golf balls
  • 10 golf balls
  • Pics
  • movie
You may not "pin" or "tie" the bridge down on either end or in any way. The bridge has to be free and self supporting.
  • The golf balls must remain inside your structure for a minimum of 10 seconds to qualify.
  • Pics
  • movie