How to Build Bridges with Popsicle Sticks
If your last popsicle stick bridge snapped like dried spaghetti, this guide will have you building a structure worthy of New York City.
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You Will Need
- Popsicle sticks
- Wood glue
- Toothpicks
- Scissors
- Straws
- Flexible tubing
- String
- Craft store (optional)
- Laundry clamps (optional)
Steps
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Step 1
Collect materials
Raid your family's junk drawers for enough popsicle sticks, glue, and other materials to build your bridge.
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Stop by a local craft store to purchase additional building materials.
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Step 2
Build main span
Build the main support spans by layering popsicle sticks halfway over each other and gluing them together until you reach the proper thickness.
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Use laundry clamps to secure your glued sections together until they dry for a tight bond.
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Step 3
Create superstructure and road deck
Line additional popsicle sticks perpendicular to the main span to create the road deck, then angle sticks vertically to build the superstructure.
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Use a cross hatch pattern along the sides and under the road deck to build a bridge that is both strong and light.
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Step 4
Add details
Use toothpicks for railings or cut the points off the toothpicks and glue several of them together in a square to make tiles for sidewalks and side panels.
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Step 5
Piece together cables
Use flexible tubing or straws and string to piece together the cables if you are building a suspension bridge.
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Step 6
Test bridge
Test your bridge with a heavy book placed on the road bed and then set it up over a creek or other body of water to transport toy cars or even a pet hamster.
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The most expensive suspension bridge was the $4.3 billion Akashi-Kaikyo bridge in Japan, and was completed in 1998.
