Bridge Building
In this workshop, students learned about civil engineering and built bridges to test load distribution.
1. The Concept
We started with a slideshow explaining different bridge designs, such as truss, suspension, and arch bridges.
We discussed how materials handle tension and compression forces, and how load is distributed across a structure.
2. Construction
Students formed teams and built bridges using popsicle sticks and glue.
They planned their truss designs to be strong but lightweight, applying the engineering concepts from the presentation.
3. The Final Test
We tested the strength of each bridge by adding weights until the structure broke.
Students observed how different bridge designs supported the weight and identified where the structural failures occurred.
