HUNTINGTON BEACH : Bridge Tests Strength of Knowledge

Students at Spring View Middle School used 40,000 Popsicle sticks and three gallons of glue to see who could build the strongest bridge in an eighth-grade science project.

The team of Edward Lin, Scott Siegele and Edward Knight demolished the competition Friday, building a miniature bridge that could support a load of 640 pounds, even though it weighed less than a pound.

“This is amazing,” said teacher John H. Keiter. “They used only sticks and glue and three National Football League running backs could stand on it without it breaking.”

To qualify, bridges were required to be from 24 inches to 30 inches long.

Lin, 13, the team leader for the champion bridge that beat its nearest competitor by nearly 450 pounds, said he adapted engineering ideas for extra strength from a railroad crossing in Los Angeles that he and his father had visited.

Lin and his colleagues put an extra stick for a support down the center of the bridge and also used six trusses placed strategically to make it all the stronger.

About 210 youngsters in seven classes put together about 70 miniature bridges over the last two weeks in the spirited competition.

A team of professional engineers carefully weighed each entry Friday and determined its strength by applying pressure in a hydraulic press until the bridge cracked.

The Orange County Engineering Council was a joint partner in the project.

Engineer Robert Randig, who spent his day off in the classroom, said the program is designed to expose youngsters to engineering, perhaps attracting some to the profession.

Keiter said he attempted to introduce his students to the principles and theories of engineering and to turn the studies into “a real-world experience” in his science class. The students, working in teams, had limited material and had to abide by a building code and meet a deadline, he said.

“Next to shelter, bridges are probably among the most useful and oldest structures ever built,” Keiter said. “Bridges have probably fascinated people since nearly the beginning of time.”

Student Tim Walter said the bridge project was fun and that he eagerly awaited each science class. His project partner, Josh Rodell, agreed that the exercise was a lot more fun than just reading or listening to a lecture about science.

“I looked forward to accomplishing something,” he said.