Paper Bridge

 

ACTIVITIES HIGHLIGHTS:

• Material Selection: Participants are given a limited amount of paper, and the type and thickness of the paper vary based on project requirements.
• Design: Participants must design their paper bridge, considering factors like span, height, and load-bearing capacity, while adhering to project guidelines and constraints. Construction: Using only paper and occasionally adhesive materials like glue or tape, participants construct their bridge by folding, rolling, or shaping the paper to create a structure capable of supporting the intended load.
• Testing: The constructed paper bridge undergoes testing where weights or other loads are applied to determine its load-bearing capacity and identify potential failure points.
• Analysis: After testing, participants analyze the paper bridge's performance, identifying areas of weakness, understanding the forces involved, and considering potential improvements for future designs.

EDUCATIONAL CONTENT:

• Students involved in a Paper Bridge competition gain valuable hands-on learning experience in structural engineering, applying theoretical concepts to a practical project.
• Through collaboration in teams, participants develop crucial teamwork and problem-solving skills as they navigate the challenges of designing and constructing a paper bridge.
• The testing and analysis phase of the competition deepens students' understanding of structural behavior, allowing them to identify weaknesses, apply load-bearing principles, and appreciate the significance of structural integrity in real-world engineering scenarios.