Building bridges: Engineering with toothpicks and marshmallows

Building Bridges – Experiment

Bridges are structures that help people and vehicles cross over obstacles like rivers, roads, valleys, or railways.

Materials Needed:

Steps to build the bridge:

Base/Foundation: Use marshmallows or gumdrops as joints and toothpicks as beams to create a sturdy base. A wide base provides stability.

Structure: Build the bridge’s main structure by connecting toothpicks with marshmallows or gumdrops. Use paper cups as pillars for support.

Deck: Construct the deck (the part where cars would drive) on top of the structure. Make sure it’s even and firm.

Test: Test the bridge by placing small weights on the deck, such as coins or small toys. Add more toothpicks to stabilize as needed.

Science Behind Building A Bridge

Parts of a Bridge

Beams are long, horizontal parts that support the weight of the bridge deck.
Joints are points where different bridge parts connect, allowing for movement and flexibility.
Supports are strong structures like pillars that hold the bridge up and transfer its weight to the ground.

What makes a bridge strong?

Fun Facts

Here are some interesting facts about bridges:

Suspension bridges, like the Golden Gate Bridge, use cables to hold the bridge deck.
Truss bridges use a network of triangles to add strength and stability. The Forth Bridge in Scotland is a famous railway bridge.
Arch bridges, such as the Sydney Harbor Bridge in Australia, have a curved shape that helps distribute forces evenly.

Review

Let’s quickly recap what we learned about building bridges:

What are the three main parts of a bridge? Beams, Joints, and Supports
What materials are used in bridges to support heavy loads? Steel and Concrete
What shape is used in bridges to help distribute weight evenly and add strength? Triangle

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