It’s harder than it looks, especially if you want a mini-bridge that is structurally sound. Garrett Boon’s “5 Steps to Building a Model Bridge” is a terrific resource (available as a free PDF, but donations are welcome). He explains everything from choosing wood, glue and tools to drawing plans.
So who is Garrett Boon?
I spent seven years participating in Science Olympiad building and technology events. I won 17 awards in the Bridge Building, Tower Building, & Boomilever events, including seven 1st places. In the spring of 2004, I took first place at the Georgia State Finals in Bridge Building, breaking a 4-year efficiency record with my bridge.
Garrett’s web site is also a treasure trove of mini-bridge info with plenty of pics and tips on building with popsicle sticks, balsa wood, drinking straws, toothpicks, and spaghetti. He also sells plans and kits.
[image by Scott Beale / Laughing Squid]
my dad and i built one of these in elementary school. we took a bunch of Popsicle sticks, the strongest glue we could find and several vice grips and built a solid block of wood and glue that was able to support fourteen grade 5 students balanced on a long two by four. the bridge was not the most whimsical or pretty but it was the strongest by multiples.