How to Build a Sturdy Popsicle Stick Bridge

Learn the engineering principles of bridge building by constructing a sturdy, weight-bearing bridge using simple household items.

1. Design your trusses. Lay your popsicle sticks flat on a sheet of wax paper in a triangle pattern. Triangles are the strongest shape in bridge building because they don't easily bend or warp. Tape the wax paper down first so your sticks don't slide around while you work.
2. Glue the joints. Apply a small dot of glue to the ends of the sticks where they overlap to form your triangles. Let these sections dry completely for at least an hour before moving them. Ask a grown-up to check that the glue is fully set before you lift the pieces.
3. Connect the sides. Once your triangle trusses are dry, stand them up and connect them using horizontal sticks to create the 'floor' of your bridge. Use more glue at the connection points and hold the pieces steady for a few seconds until they stick.
4. Reinforce the structure. Add extra sticks diagonally across your bridge floor or along the sides. These are called supports, and they help distribute the weight across the entire bridge instead of just one spot.