Engineering Fundamentals · Lesson 2 of 6
Name: ________________ Date: __________
Bridge or Platform Strength Challenge
The problem
A small town is cut off by a gap - a stream, a ravine, a washed-out road - and needs supplies to get across. Your job is to build a bridge or raised platform that spans the gap and holds as much weight as possible without bending too far or collapsing.
Materials checklist
- Popsicle sticks
- Straws
- Index cards
- Tape
- String
- Cups or books for supports
- Coins, washers, or small weights
Design sketch
Draw your plan and label the parts.
Prediction
What do you think will happen when you test it? What might fail first?
Build notes
Write what you actually built and any changes you made along the way.
Test results
| Test | What to record | Try 1 | Try 2 | Try 3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Load test | Number of coins held before it collapses | |||
| Bend test | How many coins before it bends more than a finger's width | |||
| Triangle test | Which design holds more, and by how many coins |
What failed first?
What did you change?
Reflection
1. Where did your structure bend first?
2. What part carried the most weight?
3. Did triangles help?
4. Which material worked best?
5. What would you change with fewer materials?
Extension challenge
Rebuild to hold the same load using fewer craft sticks.