You get to build a popsicle bridge in class today. Once we review the building competition guidelines you may begin work. Work ends with ten minutes left to allow for clean up.
IMPORTANT:
-keep all glue away from the computers
-use a large sheet of paper to protect the floor, desks and tables when glueing
You may work solo or in pairs. Fill out this form to declare if you are flying solo or working with a partner. No trios.
Materials
50 popsicle sticks per student/pair — counted out at the start, no extras
Hot glue guns and white glue (both provided, both permitted). Using excess glue will result in longer cure (drying times) and increase the weight of your bridge.
No other materials permitted (no tape, cardboard, string, etc.)
Unused sticks are returned at the end — Economy score is based on sticks actually used
Building Constraints — Dimensions
Span: minimum 12 inches, maximum 16 inches between supports
Width: minimum 3 inches
Height: maximum 8 inches
Building Constraints — Construction
No cutting or splitting sticks
No more than 50% of any stick’s surface may be glued to another stick
Bridge must rest only on its two end supports — nothing may touch the table between supports. One inch over your bridge must be constructed to allow to overlap the table edge.
The bridge deck DOES NOT have to support any cargo. This is all about strength.
Load Testing
Load applied at center via hanging bucket
Weight added incrementally until failure or 30 lb maximum
Maximum load sustained is recorded
Scoring
Strength — highest peak load (lbs)
Efficiency — highest ratio of peak load ÷ bridge weight
Economy — fewest sticks used, minimum 10 lb load required to qualify
Penalties
Span or width out of range → disqualified from Strength and Efficiency (Economy score still counts)
More than 50 sticks used → disqualified from Economy
Prohibited materials used → disqualified from all categories
Guidelines borrowed from the ASCE Popsicle Bridge Competition