Build Your Own Straw Bridge
How are bridges created? This activity will help you explore the world of engineering by creating your own bridge made of drinking straws.
Beam bridges are the most common type of bridge designed by engineers and are relatively easy to imagine and build. Yet, with truss designs, the possibilities are unlimited. To design bridges, engineers perform a careful analysis of bridge geometries and the anticipated applied loads so they can determine the exact place of the reaction forces. Engineers also consider the most effective materials to achieve a balance of tension and compression. Engineers determine the bridge type, design, and materials; analyze site conditions, and geologic and environmental factors, and establish detailed design plans and budget/funding schedules.
This simple science activity will help you create your very own straw bridge. Have fun, STEM Warriors!
WHAT YOU NEEED
1. Plastic Drinking Straws
2. Scotch Tape
3. Ruler
4. 2 Paper Cups or anything that can be used as a platform for the bridge
5. Coins, Jars, or anything that can be used to test the bridge’s strength
WHAT YOU DO
1. Get 20 pieces of plastic drinking straws and cut them into 10 inches each.
2. Line 10 straws beside each other and tape them together. Do the same for the second set of 10 straws.
3. Combine the 2 sets by placing them on top of each other and taping them together.
4. Put your paper cups upside down with a bit of space in between.
5. Put one end of the bridge on one side of the cup and the other end on the other side. You can also tape the bridge to the cups to make sure it won’t fall.
6. That now is your simple straw bridge! Test its strength by placing a bunch of coins on top of it or a glass or anything you can find at home.
7. Create more designs for your straw bridge and test its strength.
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