This document outlines a challenge for students to build a bridge spanning 20 centimeters using only 25 drinking straws and masking tape. The bridge must not touch anything between the two book stacks marking the span. Students will first build their bridge, then test it by adding weight until it fails, with the goal of supporting at least 2.5 pounds.

1. STRAW BRIDGE : PROTOYPE FOR POPSICLE STICK BRIDGE
1
Name: ________________________
Date: ________________________
1. Your challenge for the next two class periods is for your group (4
maximum/2 minimum) build a bridge that will span 20 centimeters.
2. Set the following rules:
• For the two ends of the span, students will use two stacks of
books or wood blocks placed 20 centimeters apart.
• The only materials students may use for the bridge itself are 25
drinking straws and 1 meter of masking tape. (39 inches)
• The straws may be shortened, bent, or cut.
• No part of the bridge may touch anything between the two ends of
the span.
3. After all bridges have been completed, have students test their bridges
by seeing how much weight the straw bridge will hold. Students may
modify their bridges, at this point, and then see if the bridge will hold
more weight.
4. Each bridge must hold a minimum of 2.5 lbs.