The topic of the February 2015 Science Saturday was "Bridges", presented by Adam Dalton. Students from 21 different elementary schools attended for a session of hands-on science related to engineering design principles. Students were challenged by three sets of materials and design rules. Students worked in groups to experiment and make the strongest bridges possible for each of several challenges.

This school year, Science Saturdays have expanded to include larger numbers of students. Both sessions of "Bridges" were attended by 40 students; nine high school volunteers from Vanguard, Belleview, Westport, and Forest High Schools also participated.

The first challenge was to build a bridge with two tissue boxes (as supports) and one sheet of paper. Volunteer Matthew Rathbun from Belleview HIgh School offers encouragement and help.

The paper could be cut or folded, but no tape was allowed. (This photo features a "cameo appearance" by volunteer Grant Harriss, one of the two photographers from Vanguard High School, who captures images for Science Saturdays.)

The strength of the bridge was tested by placing a square of cardboard in the center, and counting how many pennies could be supported.

Volunteer Jonathan Simms encourages students to try a few more pennies.

This design supports a lot of pennies.

After the first challenge, the group discussed which techniques were the most effective.

The second challenge allowed four sheets of paper and four inches of tape.

The groups with the strongest designs were called upon to present their results.

The final challenge was going to involve a new type of bridge and different materials.

As an introduction to one of the relevant principles, a student was chosen to lift a back pack by pulling down on a cord. The student quickly realized that by using a nearby table as a support, it would be possible to meet this challenge. Adam was impressed!

Four students and a string demonstrate the forces at work in a suspension bridge. (The other two students further to the right and the left and are not shown.)

The next bridges were going to be suspension bridges, with straws and tape as the main materials. Volunteer Savannah Ewers helps out with a few of the tricky parts.

The pennies in the cup measure the strength of the bridge.

The first design uses a fixed beam.

The second design is a real suspension bridge. It uses string to take some of the load."/>
The second design is a real suspension bridge. It uses string to take some of the load.

This suspension bridge has been test- loaded beyond capacity! As usual, a good time was had by all. Thank you, Adam, for a fun-filled morning. Thank you, volunteers, for helping to make "Bridges" successful for everyone. And thank you, Ron and Phyllis Ewers, Lockheed Martin, and Oak Lane Farm for your continued and generous support of IHMC's Science Saturdays.