Build a Straw Bridge
For all of those who are mechanically inclined through the use of their hands, this simple and fun activity would be great for personal and family entertainment. Whether building a straw bridge for a school project, building contest, or just to collect, this activity is suitable for all ages. For those building the bridge with children that have little to no experience with scissors, a mature adult is needed. Following below are simple and easy steps to creating this fun and enjoyable activity, Enjoy.
Steps
- Open Materials. Open the bag of straws, unwrap the tape, and place materials on a clean and spacious table to start the building process.
- Building the base of the bridge. Depending on the personal preference of how thick the width of the base should be, take 8 straws and lay them next to each other by the ends of the straws.
- Pinch the Tips. Take 4 straws and 1 by 1, pinch one end of the straw and fold it into the shape of a V to insert it in the opposite straw.
- Connecting the Straws. While holding the pinched end of the straw, insert the end about {{safesubst:#invoke:convert|convert}} into the open end of the other straw. Apply this step to all 8 of the straws.
- Secure the Straws. With the straws evenly aligned, hold the straws down and place the masking tape on top of the straws to start the holding process.
- Form Base. While holding the straws together on a flat surface, wrap tape on the middle and ends of the straws.
- Forming the Body. Taking 8 more straws, repeat Steps 3 and 4 to the ends of the side straws as such. Apply to all 8 of the straws.
- End Straws. Bend the end straws upward and inward to make connecting the top easier.
- Constructing the Top: Take 4 straws from the remaining batch and take 1 of the straws to repeat Step 3. Apply to all 8 of the straws.
- Connecting the Top: After inserting the one end of the straw, bend at the inserted end and connect the opposite end to the other opposite side straw.
- Securing the Top: When applying Step 10 to all of the side straws, tape 2 of the outer top straws together to insure durability.
- Finishing the Top: After taping the two outer straws, then apply tape to all 4 straws to give them a stronger hold.
- Three Parts to Tape: Tape the top of the bridge in 3 parts, the middle, and the 2 side folds.
- Apply Strong Base Support: Apply 1 layer of tape to the bent corners of the base of the bridge.
- Support Beam: Take 4 straws and insert them between the outer 2 straws at the top and bottom of the bride. (Apply to all 4 corners)
- Under Base Support: Take 4 straws and align them along the bottom of the support beams.
- Cutting To Size: Measure a half inch out from the support beam on the left side of the straw.
- Cutting to Size (2): Measure a half inch out on the right side, and cut the remainder of the straw off.
- Secure Under Support: After cutting the straws, tape the straws together in the middle.
- Apply Under Support: Take the 4 taped straws and place it between the support beams under the bridge.
- Additional support: Take two more straws and wedge them between the Top, Base, and Under Base Support towards the middle of the bridge.
- Tape down additional support: Tape down the ends of the additional support straws in opposite directions.
- Final Adjustment: After taping down the additional support beams, adjust and straws necessary and finally the bridge is complete.
Warnings
- If building with small children, or children with little, to no experience with scissors, a parent or guardian is recommended.
Things You'll Need
- Straws
- Tape (Masking Tape preferred for stronger hold)
- Scissors
- Ruler
