What weighs 90 grams, is made of toothpicks, and is an annual event in Minnesota? Every year Duluth freshmen take on the role of construction workers as they try to build a bridge that can hold the most weight.
"I just know that my bridge will be the best. I tested it with a bunch of weight and it hasn't broken yet," said freshman Pat Held.
The criteria that students must follow while constructing their masterpieces are: the bridge must weigh no more than 90 grams, it must be constructed using only toothpicks and glue, and it must span a distance of 55 centimeters, between two cement blocks.
Students use what they have learned in class about forces and structures to build the bridge that they think will work best. It's a great project and it is one of the most well known throughout the area," said 9th grade science teacher, Mrs. Riley.
Of the entire ninth grade class that participated in the bridge-making contest, 15 East freshmen will bring their bridges to UMD this Thursday to compete in the regional "break-off." The 15 bridges that did not break the first time around together held a combined total of 51 pounds.
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"I'm super excited that my bridge made it to the next round. I wasn't expecting it to do that well," said freshman Michael LaLiberte.
"This year was very successful for the toothpick bridges. Everyone had a lot of fun and we are all looking forward to cheering on those students that compete at UMD on Thursday," said Mrs. Riley.
