BRIDGE BUILDING
Description: Construct the bridge that spans a set distance,
while holding the greatest load in its center.
Number of Participants: 2
The Competition
1. Each team
will receive 50 plastic straws
and 10 straight pins. The straws are purchased from the source
listed below and the pins are standard sized dressmakers pins without
the plastic balls.
2. Each team will construct a bridge using only the
straws and pins.
3. Pins cannot be used to fasten or anchor the bridge
to the table in any way.
4. The bridge will be placed so it spans the distance
of 18” between two tables. A plastic cross piece will be placed
in the middle of the bridge (perpendicular to the long axis of the
bridge). The crosspiece is made of a plastic ruler with hooks inserted
through the holes at each end. From those hooks, a coffee can
will be suspended.
5. Sand will be poured into the coffee can until the
bridge topples, folds, or collapses.
6. The amount of sand in the can when the bridge
collapses is the score for that bridge.
Scoring
The bridge holding the most wins.
Here is the promised information about the straws students will receive in the Bridge Building event.
http://www.freyscientific.com/
The item information is:
Translucent plastic drinking straws. Each measures 7.75". Pack of 250
Item #: 1917519016
Your Price: $3.20
