How to Create a Popsicle Bridge

Make a replica of an expansion bridge with craft sticks.

A bridge made from Popsicle sticks is a project many teachers assign to their students in science or history class. The project emphasizes the importance of construction, the weight-bearing capabilities of the triangle and square shapes and as a representational model of a famous bridge. Children also make Popsicle-stick bridges in group organizations such as Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and 4-H. Make a Popsicle-stick bridge with craft sticks. They are about the same size as Popsicle sticks and are readily available and hobby and craft stores.

Things You'll Need

• Plastic garbage bag
• Craft sticks
• Glue gun
• Hot glue sticks

Instructions

1. Cover a flat work surface with a plastic bag. Place the craft sticks and the white glue along one edge.

2. Place a craft stick on a horizontal axis. Squeeze a drop of hot glue on each end. Position two craft sticks on each end of the horizontal stick to form a right triangle. Squeeze a drop of hot glue between the two sticks, creating the point to hold together. Repeat the process for a total of 12 right triangles.

3. Place a triangle on the work surface so a long edge is on the horizontal axis. Turn two triangles over so their point is at the bottom. Position the triangles side by side, matching the edges. Squeeze a line of hot glue along the joined edges to hold the triangles together. Repeat the process 14 times to create the walls and legs of the bridge.

4. Place a craft stick on a horizontal axis with a second one parallel approximately 4 1/2 inches above the first. Squeeze a drop of glue on the four corners. Place a craft stick on a vertical axis on each end to form a square. Repeat the process for a second square.

5. Squeeze a line of glue along the horizontal craft stick of the square. Place vertical craft sticks along the lines of glue to create the walking or driving base of the bridge. Repeat the process with the second square.

6. Turn the two squares over so the flat surface is facing down. Position the two squares side by side on a horizontal axis. Squeeze a line of glue along the length of a craft stick. Place half of the craft stick on each square, across the joining edges, to hold the two squares together. Repeat the process with two more craft sticks.

7. Position a set of three triangles perpendicular to the top horizontal edge of the squares. Squeeze a line of glue along the joining edge to hold the two pieces together. Repeat the process with the opposite side. This is the base to the bridge.

8. Flip the bridge over so it is standing on the base. Repeat Step 7 to attach the two sides to the craft-stick bridge.