OBJECTIVE: The student will construct a model of a bridge which will support much mass as possible.

MATERIALS:

• 30 plastic straws
• 1 roll of scotch tape
• 1 pair of scissors
• 1 ruler
• 1-8 oz cup

SKETCH:

PROCEDURE:

• Students will work in assigned teams.
• Each team will be given the listed materials.
• Teams will be allotted a set time to construct a bridge using only the assigned materials.
• A place for the cup to sit must be built into the bridge.
• The cup must sit in the center of the bridge.
• The bridge may NOT BE WRAPPED WITH TAPE.
• At the end of the allotted time, teams will be instructed to stop and no more construction will be allowed.
• While the teacher or an appointed judge is watching, a student from the team will add pennies to the cup until:
  • the bridge falls off of the supports.
  • the cup falls off of the bridge.
  • the bridge sags enough so that any part of the bridge touches any part of the bottom support structure.

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