Introduction: Triangle Truss Bridges - the Best Popsicle Stick Bridge STEM Project for Kids

By 30+ STEM Projects for Kids
About: I'm a writer, maker, and educator who's on a mission to better the world through hands-on engineering projects. Check out my work: www.stem-inventions.com/

Students design and build truss bridges, then test the strength of the bridge by attaching a scale.

You can find the lesson plan, 1-page project sheet, and more project ideas at STEM-Inventions.com


Step 1: Materials and Tools

Materials and Tools

The Engineering Creation Kit has everything you need for this project and many more from STEM Inventions.

  1. Craft sticks (at least 100 per student)
  2. 4” cable ties (at least 15 per student)
  3. Glue gun with safety nozzle
  4. Hot glue sticks
  5. Alternative: use tacky glue
  6. Cardboard or newspaper to protect work surface
  7. Hanging scale
  8. Strong cord/rope/etc
  9. Carbine hook or similar device
  10. Truss bridge patterns (attached PDF or download image)

When you make a purchase through these links, I may earn an affiliate commission at zero cost to you.

Attachments

Step 2: Advanced Ideas: Truss Armor / House Frame

Truss armor is made of a simple craft stick and cube construction, but includes a handle near one end. This allows the user to grasp the structure from within and wear it like armor.

Another alternative is the house frame. Although it does not rely heavily upon trusses for its sturdiness, it does show the basic idea of what timber looks like within the frame of real houses.

You can find the wood cubes used in these ideas here.