Toothpick Bridge Project
Grade 6
OBJECTIVE
To design and build a bridge which can be tested for structural strength and then analyzed for the forces involved
MATERIALS
Round or flat wooden toothpicks
Elmer's white glue
INSTRUCTIONS
Each student will research bridge designs from the Internet or analyze actual structures, noting materials used, bracing points and reinforcements, and how each design takes into account gravitational and load forces. Each student will then design and build a bridge using wooden toothpicks and Elmer's white glue.
SPECIFICATIONS/CONSTRAINTS
This is an individual project that will be completed in school. You may research your ideas at home as well as in school, but the actual construction and testing will be done in class.
The total weight of the finished bridge cannot exceed 3 ounces.
A roadbed must be a part of the design. (You will note that there is no roadbed in the image at the top of this project page, but one must be included in your project in order for the experiment to be conducted) Any design can be used as long as the roadbed is flat and unobstructed.
The bridge must be free standing and allow for a 1 inch board to pass under the bridge while it rests on a flat surface.
Only the materials listed may be used to build the bridge.
Excessive amounts of glue may not be used as part of the structure, i.e. the bridge may not be completely covered with glue.
PROCEDURE
To test each bridge's strength we will place the bridge onto and between two flat-topped tables spaced 10 inches apart.
A small rope will be set across the middle of the roadbed. Weights will be hooked on to the ends of the rope until the bridge breaks.
The lightest bridge that withstands the most weight will be declared the winner of the competition.
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