Saturday, February 25, 2012, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Fernbank Science Center
GOAL: To design and build a bridge type structure in one of two categories: Toothpick Category and Open-Materials Category. After entrants have designed and built their bridges, the event provides a convenient, fun-filled place to test them and see how well they work.
ENTRANTS: Open To All. Students, parents, sponsoring engineers, and teachers are welcome to submit bridges! Each entrant will receive a certificate with the results of the bridge test, an event T-shirt, and other interesting stuff. We hope that this event will introduce students to careers in engineering.
ADMISSION: There in no registration fee. There is no admission charge to Fernbank Science Center.
REGISTRATION: Pre-registration is not required. Registration forms will be provided at the event.
Participants will build their bridges in advance and bring them to the event. The bridges will be tested to failure (i.e. broken) to measure their load carrying ability. Entrants may build a bridge in either of two categories—the traditional Toothpick Category or the Open-Materials Category. As in the past, the Toothpick Category will be for bridges weighing no more than 121 grams and made entirely of toothpicks and glue. In the Open-Materials Category, the bridge may be constructed of any available materials with a combined weight not exceeding 60 grams. Students will also have an opportunity to talk to practicing engineers about careers in engineering and educational opportunities.
Click here for tips on building bridges. Click here for bridge specifications.