April 29 is the eighth annual Popsicle Stick Bridge Contest so it’s time to pick up your bridge-building kit.
Sponsored by EGBC (Engineers and Geoscientists of BC) this event is part of National Engineering and Geoscience Month (NEGM), an annual celebration of engineering and geoscience across Canada. The goal of this event is to promote the awareness of the engineering and geoscience professions, showcase career choices and the many ways in which engineering and geoscience relate to our everyday life.
The contest is open to everyone. Contestants build a bridge, or two, out of 100 sticks to span 50 cm, using only white glue and the provided bridge deck, and compete in family, elementary, secondary or adult categories. Bridges are tested with special hydraulic machines for the amount of pressure they withstand before failing. Prizes are awarded for the strongest bridges in each category and the most aesthetically pleasing.
Last year saw 39 bridges tested with the strongest holding 2949 N or 663 pounds. This year the kits have birch popsicle sticks, which are stronger and should give better results.
Kits are available for $5 at GBS in Gibsons and Sechelt and contain everything you need to build your bridge.
Spectators are welcome at this free event. The contest will take place at the Sechelt Indian Band Hall, behind McDonald’s in Sechelt. Bridge registration starts at noon and the fun of testing starts at 1 p.m.
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