How to Make a Bridge Out of Toothpicks
Whether you have been assigned to build a toothpick bridge for school or you would like to make one on your own, a toothpick bridge is a fun project that involves aspects of science and math. Building a toothpick bridge gives you a basic understanding of engineering and you will feel confident that you were able to build a structure that can support weight. Although this is a time-consuming project, it is worth the wait.
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Instructions
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Determine the length, weight and angle requirements if you are doing this for a school project. For example according to the Minnesota State website, their requirements is a weight less than 85 gm and a length of 56 cm.
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Using flat-end toothpicks, glue two pieces together. leaving a few millimeters of space at the end.Continue stacking two pieces on top of each other until the length is 56 cm. Trim the ends with nail clippers.
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File the ends of the two toothpicks that are glued together with sandpaper. Create a 135-degree angle about 2.5 cm in from the end of the foundation. Glue this joint into place. Do this on the opposite end as well. Make sure that each measurement and angle is identical to one another.
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Follow the same measurements and regulations to create a foundation and joints for the other side of the bridge. Make sure that everything is identical to each other.
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Choose how you want your bridge structure--either sloping the ends and forming a parabola, or extending the ends until they become level.
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Link the two sides by gluing them on two toothpicks that run parallel to each other. Create a support structure by gluing one end of two adhered toothpicks to the bottom and top of the bridge. Use sand paper to file down the ends so the joints lock into place.
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Tips & Warnings
For best results, interlock the support structure so that it forms Vs. Let the glue harden before attempting to bend or shape the toothpicks.
