MATHSci BUACS
MATHSci BUACS
GUIDELINES
Theme: Empowering BUACS Learners: Through
Synodal Scielympics and Research
MECHANICS FOR TEAM BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION
Bridge Design and Construction
1. Each team must be composed of 3 members and the entry is per school.
2. Each team will be provided by a piece of bond paper and a pencil.
3. Each team will be provided by a design that would serve as their guide
(SAMPLE)
4. The following design constraints that each time must make or create:
· Bridge must be at least 10 inches (25 cm) in length and able to
span an 8-inch (20 cm) gap.
· Bridge must be able to securely hold gradually added weight placed in
its center until it fails (begins to bend)
· Bridge must incorporate a design
· Bridge must be made of 20 (or fewer) straws
· Teams may not receive any replacement straws
5. Teams are going to brainstorm design ideas for their bridges and record
and sketch their ideas on paper (5-7 minutes). Teams are advised to carefully
plan out their cutting of the straws since they will not receive any replacement
materials.
6. After every team member has presented his/her ideas, have teams each decide
on one bridge to build.
7. The teams are given 30 minutes to create their bridges,
8. Tip: It may be difficult for small hands to figure out the tapping of straws that add
odd angles to each other. Circulate the room to assist teams with any construction
challenges they encounter.
Bridge Testing
· Make a testing station by placing two desks (or tables) approximately 8 inches (20
cm) apart. Place the bridge across the gap between two desks, positioning it with
equal lengths of bridge ends resting on each desk.
· Slowly place one five-peso coin on the top of the bridge.
· Continue to add five-peso coins or books until the bridge fails or noticeably begins
to bend (do not add so much weight that the bridges are ruined.)
· Write the team's total coins on the record or tally sheets.
· A team gaining the greatest number of the coins before the bridge collapsed will be
proclaimed first place, second place and third place and so on.