While you're waiting for your parole hearing, may I suggest something to do to while away those hours. If you do this well, I'll send you the plans to dig out of jail.
POPSICLE STICK TRUSS BRIDGE
Instructions By John Christiansen,
8th grader, Powell MS, Littleton, CO
Graphics By Ken Loontjer, Neujahr and Gorman, Inc., Denver, CO
PURPOSE: To build a bridge spanning twelve inches that will hold 50 lbs. The bridge is to be made of only popsicle sticks and glue.
Materials
114 straight popsicle sticks
2 or 3 heavy books
Ruler
Glue - school or wood glue is best
Rubber bands or small clamps (orthodontic bands are great!)
Saw/sandpaper - a dremel tool works also
Procedure:
1) Select 9 of the sticks, break one in half and lay 3 against a ruler. Glue them together, forming a beam 3 popsicle sticks thick and 3 long. Clamp or rubber band it together and allow to dry.
Repeat step 1 three more times - you should have 4 beams
2) Select 6 of the sticks, break one in half and lay two against a ruler. Glue them together, forming a beam 3 sticks thick and 2 long. Clamp or rubber band it and allow to dry.
Repeat step 2 - you should have 2 beams.
3) Select 12 sticks and two beams - a long and a short one. Lay them on a table with the flat part of the beams down. Glue 6 sticks on top in a triangular pattern. Then glue 6 on the underside in the same fashion. Press with books.
Repeat step 3 - you should have 2 walls.
4) Sand or cut the extra off of the walls
5) Lay the 2 remaining beams on a table. Glue 33 popsicle sticks onto them, forming the road.
Press with books.
6) Glue the 2 walls at a right angle onto the road.
Hold the walls in place until the glue sets.
7) Glue crossbeams on top of the walls. You will use a total of 9 sticks. Allow to dry.
8) Smear extra glue on the joint between the wall and the road. This will reinforce the joint.
Allow to dry, and YOU’RE DONE!
