MESA DAY CONTEST RULES

2012-2013

TOOTHPICK BRIDGE

LEVEL: Elementary School (Grades 3rd-5th)

TYPE OF EVENT: Team

COMPOSITION OF TEAM: 2-3 Students per Team

NUMBER OF ENTRIES: 3 Teams per Advisor / Class of 30 students

SPONSOR: UC Irvine MESA Schools Program

OVERVIEW: Students will use math and science to implement engineering concepts in the design and construction of a model toothpick bridge from their own plans that will carry a maximum load while using as few toothpicks as possible. Bridges will also be judged for neatness, craftsmanship, and creativity.

MATERIALS: Only solid untreated natural flat wooden sandwich toothpicks and water soluble white school glue may be used.

RULES:

1.  The bridge must be the original work of the student. Judges may ask questions in order to verify the authenticity of their work.

2.  No materials other the specified toothpicks and glue are allowed.

3.  Bridge specifications. Bridges MUST adhere to the following:

Maximum number of toothpicks: 700, including partial sticks

Length: 12 inches – 16 inches

Width: 2 inches – 4 inches

Height: 4 inches – 8 inches

4.  Toothpicks MAY be bent or cut.

5.  Glue is allowed ONLY at the joints. You may only use glue where two sticks touch each other.

6.  No coating of any kind may be added to any part of the bridge.

7.  The bridge MAY NOT be decorated. Pen/marker may be used for identification only.

8.  The top of the bridge MUST support a 2 inch x 2 inch test plate placed in the middle of the bridge.

9.  The bridge MUST rest on the test support blocks on its own and without interfering with the testing apparatus.

10.  The bridge should be labeled properly with the team member’s names and school. There will be a point deduction for improper labeling.

JUDGING:

1.  The bridge will be supported by two blocks, 10 inches apart.

2.  A 2 inch x 2 inch test plate is placed onto the center of the bridge.

3.  The testing machine will apply a load/weight to the test plate until a maximum is load is reached. The maximum load recorded by the testing machine will be used as the load capacity of the bridge, regardless of when failure begins.

AWARDS: Awards are given in the following two categories:

Strength to Weight Ratio: Determined by dividing maximum load capacity by weight of bridge. Bridge with greatest load bearing capacity compared to its weight wins. Medals will be awarded to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners.

Creativity & Engineering Design: Finest craftsmanship, including neatness and innovation of design. Certificates will be awarded to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners.

MESA DAY CONTEST RULES 2012-2013

©University of California Regents

These rules are for the internal use of MESA staff and teachers only and should not be forwarded or used outside of MESA