Science Toy V (Toothpick - Popsicle stick bridge)

[Reebs]

Science Toy V (Toothpick - Popsicle stick bridge)
Here are some pictures of something I welded up for class. The challenge is for the kids to build a bridge to cross a 10” span with 80 toothpicks and 20 popsicle sticks. I will then hang weights on each bridge to see which is the strongest. The winning weight 87.5 pounds. I was impressed, the kids had fun and it makes a hell off a noise when it all falls to the ground.
reber

[blackdoggy]

Neat arts and crafts and engineering in one class .

[SWells]

Good job Reebs, pat yourself on the back for me. I wish I had teachers like you when I was in school.

[737mechanic]

That looks good. What grade are the kids in. The reason I ask is I saw a video the other day that shows I think a college class making a similar bridge out of paper and doing about the same thing. There weight platform isn't near as good as what you built though.
I posted the link below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gtUZcIDrwoo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gtUZcIDrwoo

[zapster]

Thats neat!!

Just a slight on the overkill side but what the hay...

...zap!

[Reebs]

737 mechanic That is crazy! 1,000+ lbs

Thanks for all the compliments it was a fun easy build. What I like is I can break it down so it takes up almost no room.
reber

[Reebs]

737 mechanic That is crazy! 1,000+ lbs. I teach 8th graders. Hormones with feet.

Thanks for all the compliments it was a fun easy build. What I like is I can break it down so it takes up almost no room.
reber

[tanky321]

Thats awesome!

This past semester in my statics class we had a similar task. We had to build a truss out of no more than 25 popsicle sticks.It could be a bridge design, or just a 2d truss.
We used a huge hydraulic press that is used for testing material compression strengths.

In my class the record was 300lbs I think. The record in my school was 2000+ lbs I believe. Apparently the kid make pin joints out of strips of wood and what not. Its insane!


Great job!!

[Reebs]

Update
The 7th graders just built bridges the winning bridge help 145lbs (that is all the weight)
I changed a few rules from last year. They get 50 popsicle sticks and no toothpicks.