Local Family Fun
Paper Bridge Let’s build a bridge!
Materials • One piece of copy paper (any size will do) • Two cups • Something to stack on the paper (coins, action figures, etc.) Procedure 1. Before beginning the experiment, try this: separate the two cups just shorter than the length of the piece of paper. Place the paper across the gap. Then try to put any object on the paper. Almost everything you put on it collapses the bridge! Now let’s learn how to make a better bridge from that same piece of paper. 2. Fold your piece of paper accordion style. The number of folds and the size of each fold is up to you. Experiment to see which works best! 3. Now place the folded piece of paper between the cups, resting on the cups’ edges. 4. Test to see how much weight your bridge can hold with the power of the folds. Explanation When you place the unfolded piece of paper between the two cups, gravity pulls the paper down, making it slump inward. It’s not very strong. Now, take a look at the side of your folds and notice the triangular shapes. Triangles are known in structural designs to provide a lot of strength. Would a thicker piece of paper work, too? Sure, but in terms of building materials, thicker materials are more expensive than thinner ones. Changing the shape of things can be a better option. Going further Does the number of folds make the paper stronger? If you had one fold versus 10 folds, would you notice a difference in what the paper can hold before it breaks? Try it out!
NOW
Enjoy our virtual Geekaplooza Blitz where you’ll find plenty of science experiments to try at home, plus enter the Geek Blitz contest for the chance to win great prizes and receive discounts to use at local STEAM attractions! Sponsored by OU College of Pharmacy.
LATER
Save the date for the return of our in-person Geekapalooza to be held Nov. 9, 2024 at Rose State College in Midwest City. Hands-on STEAM fun for all ages! Don’t miss it!
Find details here!
Find more simple science experiments here.
metrofamilymagazine.com/ geekapalooza
48 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / JAN-FEB 2024
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