How to Build a Straw Bridge

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Building a straw bridge is a popular school project and a fun family project. Straws are quite flimsy but can form a strong bridge if you join them in the right way. Using only straws and tape, you can make a really strong bridge or a bendy bridge.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Making a Strong Bridge

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  1. You will need 24 plastic drinking straws to build this bridge. Purchase these from your local supermarket. [1]
    • Make sure that the straws aren’t bendy. If you can only find bendy straws, cut of the bendy portion of the straw and make a smaller bridge.
    • If you want a longer bridge, purchase 34 straws.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Build a Straw Bridge
    Push down on one end of a straw to make the opening narrower and push it into another straw. This extends the length of the bridge, whilst maintaining its strength. These straws will form the base of the bridge. [2]
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  3. Watermark wikiHow to Build a Straw Bridge
    These straws will form the base of the bridge. Use the method in 1.2 to connect 14 more straws into chains. Make a total of 8 chains. If you need a wider bridge, connect more straws together. [3]
    • If you want a longer bridge, squeeze another straw and push it into one of the openings of the existing bridge base. Repeat this for each of the straws on the bridge base.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Build a Straw Bridge
    Carefully pick up one of the straw chains you have created. Cut a small piece of tape that is approximately 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) and wrap it around the joining point of the straws. Make sure that the tape touches the surface of both straws: otherwise, it won’t hold them in place.
    • If you have added a third straw to the length of the bridge, you will need to tape the second connection point as well. [4]
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Build a Straw Bridge
    Push the 8 straw chains together so that they are all the same height and are lying flat on the ground. Cut a larger piece of tape that is approximately 2.5 inches (6.4 cm) and place it width-ways over the middle point of the bridge base. [5]
  6. Watermark wikiHow to Build a Straw Bridge
    Hold the straws against the base and use a permanent marker to mark how long the straws needs to be in order to span the width of the base. Use a pair of scissors to cut the straws. These straws are used to support the bridge and make it stronger. [6]
    • Use 2 extra straws if you are building a longer bridge.
  7. Watermark wikiHow to Build a Straw Bridge
    These straws will help to support the bridge and allow it to hold more weight. Place the cut straws perpendicular to the base of the bridge and evenly distribute them across the bottom side of the bridge base. Cut a small piece of tape and stick it over the piece of cut straw and onto the bridge base. [7]
    • Repeat this process for each supporting straw.
    • Use 2 pieces of tape per cut straw to increase the strength of the bridge.
  8. Turn the bridge over so that the flat side is facing upwards. Balance the ends of the bridge on 2 flat surfaces and let the your straw bridge cover the gap. Balance a toy car, or a small weight, in the middle of the bridge to prove that it is stable. [8]
    • If you want a longer bridge, add more straws to the base. You will need to use extra tape to support the extra length.
    • Try using piles of books to balance the bridge on.
    • The bridge is designed to hold small items. Avoid putting heavy items on the bridge as this will cause the bridge to break. Slowly increase the weight you put on the bridge to test how much it can hold.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Building a Bendy Bridge

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  1. You will need 9 plastic straws to complete this bridge. Use regular length drinking straws. Purchase these from your local supermarket. [9]
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Build a Straw Bridge
    Squeeze one end of a straw. While you are squeezing it, push it 1.5 in (3.8 cm) through the open end of a second straw. Repeat this process with the remaining 2 straws. These connected straws will form the sides of the bridge. [10]
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Build a Straw Bridge
    Cut 2 small pieces of tape that are approximately 1.5 inches (3.8 cm). Pick up the connected straws and wrap the tape around the joining point of the straws. [11]
    • This will stop the straws from coming apart when weight is put on the bridge.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Build a Straw Bridge
    Use a ruler to measure how long the straws are. Divide the length of the straws in half to find the middle point. Use a permanent marker to mark the middle point of the straws. Cut the straws in half, at the marked point, using a pair of scissors. [12]
    • Make sure each straw is cut to the same length: otherwise, they won’t reach the sides of the bridge.
    • These straws will be used to form the base of the bridge.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Build a Straw Bridge
    Place one side of the bridge about 2.5 inches (6.4 cm) inches below the other. Assemble the cut straws between the 2 sides of the bridge so that they form a zig-zag pattern. Each straw needs to be touching both sides of the bridge. [13]
    • Make sure to assemble the straws on a flat surface.
    • The zig-zag pattern needs to extend the entire length of the bridge. If the straws don’t reach to the end of the bridge, reduce the width of the bridge, and adjust the angles of the cut straws so the angles between the triangles are wider.
  6. Watermark wikiHow to Build a Straw Bridge
    Cut pieces of tape that are approximately 2.5 inches (6.4 cm). Wrap them around the side of the bridge and around the ends of the straws that form a point (i.e. the tip of the triangle). You will need to wrap the tape around a few times to secure the straws in place.
    • You can use pins to secure the straws in place instead of tape. Make sure you are careful not to prick yourself if you use pins. [14]
  7. Balance the ends of the bridge between 2 flat surfaces and let the your straw bridge cover the gap. Stacks of big blocks or books work well. [15]
    • If you feel like a challenge, add more straws to your bridge to extend its length. You may need to use extra tape and cut straws to support the extra lengths.
    • Try using piles of books to balance the bridge on.
  8. Place a small weight on the middle of the bridge. If the bridge can hold the weight, add a little bit more weight. Keep adding weight until the bridge collapses. Measure how much weight the bridge held and see if you can build another bridge that holds more weight next time. [16]
    • Have a competition with your friends and see whose bridge can hold the most weight.
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  • Question
    How can you make the bridge with only straws and pins?
    Community Answer
    Create holes in the sides of the straws and insert the other straws in the holes -- the straw goes in between the brackets.
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    Not Helpful 19 Helpful 24
  • Question
    How can I make a model of a deck with only a foot of tape?
    Community Answer
    Get a long strip of tape and fold it in half. Wrap other strips around it until you have a plank. Make loads more, then tape them together! Your deck may have to be very small because you have so little tape.
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    Not Helpful 16 Helpful 12
  • Question
    How do I make a straw bridge without tape?
    Community Answer
    Use some sticky tack, tear it into small pieces, and put it on the straws. This will also make it stronger.
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      Things You'll Need

      • Straws
      • Tape
      • Scissors
      • Ruler
      • Permanent marker
      • Toy car of small weights

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      References

      1. ↑ https://youtu.be/keM4UJ4eFfo?t=48
      2. ↑ https://youtu.be/keM4UJ4eFfo?t=48
      3. ↑ https://youtu.be/keM4UJ4eFfo?t=48
      4. ↑ https://youtu.be/keM4UJ4eFfo?t=48
      5. ↑ https://youtu.be/keM4UJ4eFfo
      6. ↑ https://youtu.be/keM4UJ4eFfo?t=48
      7. ↑ https://youtu.be/keM4UJ4eFfo?t=48
      8. ↑ https://youtu.be/keM4UJ4eFfo
      9. ↑ https://frugalfun4boys.com/2013/01/07/engineering-for-kids-build-a-bridge-with-straws-and-straight-pins/
      1. ↑ https://frugalfun4boys.com/2013/01/07/engineering-for-kids-build-a-bridge-with-straws-and-straight-pins/
      2. ↑ https://frugalfun4boys.com/2013/01/07/engineering-for-kids-build-a-bridge-with-straws-and-straight-pins/
      3. ↑ https://frugalfun4boys.com/2013/01/07/engineering-for-kids-build-a-bridge-with-straws-and-straight-pins/
      4. ↑ https://frugalfun4boys.com/2013/01/07/engineering-for-kids-build-a-bridge-with-straws-and-straight-pins/
      5. ↑ https://frugalfun4boys.com/2013/01/07/engineering-for-kids-build-a-bridge-with-straws-and-straight-pins/
      6. ↑ https://youtu.be/keM4UJ4eFfo
      7. ↑ https://youtu.be/keM4UJ4eFfo

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        May 4, 2017

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