Build a Straw Bridge
Revision as of 02:28, 26 April 2022 by Kipkis (Kipkis | contribs) (Text replacement - "[[Category:P" to "[[Category: P")
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.
Contents
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.
Video
Template:Video:Build a Straw Bridge
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