How to Build a Popsicle Stick Bridge

Building a popsicle stick bridge can be a very fun craft to do with a friend or a child. Once you read the tips in this article you will be well prepared to build a popsicle bridge project. I will go through the building process step by step with clear instructions.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Popsicle Sticks
• Elmer's White Glue
• Masking Tape
• Several Sheets of Paper

1. Gather your materials, including popsicle sticks, glue, tape, and paper. You will need approximately 50 popsicle sticks for this bridge.

2. Tape one sheet of paper flat onto a table so that the long side is facing you.

3. Using thin pieces of tape, tape down two popsicle sticks onto the bottom of paper. The sticks will be spaced apart in the center and the ends will be touching the edges of the paper.

4. Place two more popsicle sticks about 4 inches above the first two, and lay a popsicle stick on each end angling towards the middle to connect the top and bottom. Glue these on.

5. Continue placing diagonal sticks on top making triangle shapes for the side.

6. Repeat this process for the other side and let both dry completely.

7. Now take two stacks of books spaced apart to the width you want the bridge. Take each side and tape it against a stack of books.

8. Glue on some popsicle sticks to connect the top and bottom of the bridge. You want to make more triangle shapes on top, but the bottom can be simply straight across.

9. 
    

   Glue some diagonal bracing on the very ends of the bridge. Make sure that the bridge is not leaning at all. After this, let everything dry completely and then you can test the bridge to see how much it can hold.

Tips & Warnings

• Choose the best popsicle sticks. See the Popsicle Sticks link in Resources.
• Double check your bridge for leaning before gluing on the diagonal bracing.
• Google "popsicle stick bridges" for more pictures
• Be careful to use the right amount of glue. You don't want the glue spreading everywhere, but you do want enough. Usually just a thin surface of glue is sufficient.

Resources

• Popsicle Sticks

[starlet67]

on 4/4/2009 This is a neat craft for kids! Great idea for Art Teachers and Stay-at-Home Moms!5*