Our earliest ancestors used vines or logs to construct rudimentary bridges that spanned creeks or streams. In modern times, engineers and architects work to create elegant bridges that combine beauty with utility. Building a bridge with Popsicle sticks is a craft that allows you to make a similar effort on a much smaller scale.
- Skill level:
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Things you need
- Popsicle sticks
- Wood glue
Place a Popsicle stick on a hard, flat surface such as a table or countertop. Squeeze glue onto the stick, covering half of the stick's large, flat surface, not the edge. Connect another Popsicle stick to it by pressing the stick down onto the glued surface.
Turn over the two glued Popsicle sticks so that the second stick is resting directly on the table. Repeat the process by gluing a third, fourth and fifth Popsicle stick on in the same manner. You will now have five Popsicle sticks glued together in a straight line.
Glue five more Popsicle sticks together in the same manner. Repeat the process two more times for a total of four lines made up of five Popsicle sticks each. You will use these as the framework for your bridge's trusses.
Place one of the straight five-stick pieces on the table 4 to 5 inches above another one. Connect them by gluing a total of eight Popsicle sticks to them, forming V-shapes in a criss-cross pattern. This is your first truss. Create your second truss by repeating the process with the other two five-stick pieces.
Hold the two trusses up so they are perpendicular to the ground. Connect them by gluing five Popsicle sticks to them, straight across at the top of the trusses, perpendicular to the trusses and parallel to the ground.
Glue five more Popsicle sticks to the trusses, straight across at the bottom, perpendicular to the trusses and parallel to the ground. Glue extra sticks across the top and bottom of the trusses in a criss-cross pattern for extra sturdiness.
Size and glue a section of cardboard to the bottom of the bridge. This will allow you to run toy cars on it.
Tips and warnings
- Allow the glue to dry between each step of the project.
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