Innovation and diversity were on display Sunday, March 17 at the third annual Sunshine Coast Popsicle stick bridge building contest.
A total of 48 wonderfully diverse bridges were tested to destruction in a two-hour crushing spree. The goal was to build the strongest bridge to span 50 cm with only 100 Popsicle sticks, white glue and a cardboard deck. An optional container of dental floss was available for those wanting the additional challenge of building suspension bridges.
The youngsters have often beaten the professionals, but this year in the adult category Lisa Murata managed to post a Sunshine Coast record with a bridge that supported a load of 3,978 Newtons (406 kg / 897 lb.), the equivalent of four six-foot guys standing on it, before spectacularly failing, sending Popsicle sticks flying through the air.
In the elementary school category, Harrison Watson gave Murata the most competition with a bridge that held a respectable 1,576 Newtons (161 kg / 354 lb.).
Other winners included: Eryn Payne, suspension elementary category; Rowan Baker-French, secondary; Matt Atkinson, suspension secondary; Elizabeth Hood, family; Anarchyst, adult professional; and Giesela Breig, single girder.
Great prizes were awarded to the builders of the strongest bridges and extra packages of sticks were handed out to the builders of the weakest bridge so they could practise before the next contest. Generous donations from the three Coast municipalities and several local businesses plus the help of many enthusiastic and devoted volunteers make this exciting event possible year after year.
The goal of this contest is to encourage young people in the community the pursuit of trades, engineering and technology. Organization is done by local members of the community with guidance from the Association of Professional Engineers and Geo-scientists of BC (APEGBC), the Applied Science Technologists & Technicians of BC (ASTTBC).
For more details see www.apeg.bc.ca/services/branches/seatosky/popsicle.html.
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