The Challenge – Build a toothpick bridge capable of holding up 5 pounds or more. The bridge must be able to span a gap of 9" or more. Your materials are limited to100 round toothpicks. You may use any glue of your choice. (To glue the toothpicks together -- not to coat the bridge) No other materials are allowed.

The bridge must have a spot in the middle at least 1" wide where a bar can be placed across the bridge to hold the weight for testing.

The above gives you all the clues that you will get for building the bridge. You must research, design and test your own bridge. Remember that bridges built at the last minute may not dry properly to get full strength.

Below is a diagram of an appropriate testing set-up.

Two scores will be measured – Total weight held and total weight held divided by total weight of the bridge.