What is the science behind the paper bridge challenge?
A single piece of paper between two stacks of books falls down under its own weight. The answer lies in folding the paper to change its cross section (the shape you see when you look at the paper edge-on).
What makes a paper bridge strong?
Making a strong paper bridge requires concentration, attention to detail and a desire to learn and have fun. Bridges are under two types of force: compression and tension. Both are in action when any weight is placed on a bridge. Compression pushes weight down on the structure and tightens it.
How do you make a paper bridge challenge?
STEP 1: Place several books about 6 inches apart. STEP 2: Fold the papers into different paper bridge designs. STEP 3: Place the paper across the books like a bridge. STEP 4: Test how strong your bridge is by adding pennies onto the bridge until it collapses.
Can you build a bridge out of paper?
Line up two pieces of paper end to end, so the short edges are overlapping just slightly (by about a quarter of an inch). Use long strips of Scotch tape to bind the pieces of paper together on both sides. These two pieces of paper will make one “bridge.”
Does folding paper make it stronger?
In this activity, students experiment with a variety of shapes such as folded corrugations and rolled tubes that can make an inherently weak material such as paper much stronger. By folding or rolling the paper, you create a “thickness” which allows the paper to reinforce itself and not collapse so easily.
How can u make paper stronger?
Simply get a paint brush or foam brush and brush a coat of starch on your paper. After it has dried, flip it over and repeat the process. If you are using spray starch, just spray your paper, flip it over and repeat.
How to make a Paper Bridge for a science project?
Paper Bridge Project: Step-by-Step Instructions Place the blocks 15 cm apart on the floor or a table. Set the piece of paper across the blocks in such a way that it spans the entire distance. Now begin placing the coins on your paper bridge to test its design. Now roll the paper into a cylinder and again place coins on it.
What was the result of the Paper Bridge experiment?
The Results. And the winner is Method 4, proving that design changes do have an effect on load bearing structures. By simply folding the index card into a channel, the bridge was able to withstand more than seven times its nearest challenger, and likely more. In the video, the experiment ends because the load becomes too unstable and crashes.
Why do we need to make paper bridges?
How to Make Paper Bridges | Science Project Ideas The experiment allows kids to learn the basic concept of forces in physics in a very interesting way. Bridges are something that kids come across every day. The How to Make Paper Bridges | Science Project Ideas
What to put in middle of Paper Bridge?
Place a penny in the middle of the bridge. One at a time, keep adding pennies along the length of the bridge. This simulates how real cars and people are spread out along the length of a bridge.