Our senior physics class recently participated in a toothpick bridge building contest. We were given a half box of toothpicks and a choice of glues. Elmer's glue was recommended but not the only choice.

We were given 3 weeks to build our bridges. They were judged for eligiblity, then weight was added to a bucket that was tied around the base of the bridge. First place went to the bridge that held 10 kilograms.

This was a fun learning experience to study how strength overcame gravitational forces.