Popsicle Stick Bridge Competition Set For March At Saint Leo U

ST. LEO, FL — Calling all future and amateur engineers and scientists. Saint Leo University’s Department of Natural Sciences is hosting its annual Popsicle® stick bridge competition on Thursday, March 9, from 6 to 8 p.m., in Selby Auditorium in Lewis Hall at the campus at 33701 State Road 52, St. Leo.

Saint Leo University and Pasco County high school students are invited to design and build Popsicle® stick bridges and compete in this contest. The winners will be selected in two categories: the strongest bridge that can hold the most weight and the most aesthetically-pleasing bridge that receives the most votes from the audience.

High school faculty who would like to enter their students (as well as students who are interested) may participate. Teams of one to three students may compete, and members should come up with a name for their bridge. The goal of the contest is to build the strongest possible bridge using only Elmer’s® glue and no more than 200 standard Popsicle® sticks. The entries must bridge a 1.2-meter span as described in the contest rules.

Register by emailing Dr. Harsha Perera, assistant professor of physics and physical sciences in the College of Arts and Science, at Harsha.Perera@saintleo.edu by Feb. 18. Then pick up a kit, design a bridge, build it (test it if you like) and then come to the university to test it on March 9.

“The construction and testing of model bridges promote the study and application of principles of physics and engineering and it also helps students develop hands-on skills,” Perera said.

Last year’s winner was “Bridge to the Starz,” and it held 66 pounds.

The public is invited to attend the event to watch the teams compete and see which bridge can hold the most weight (and which bridges collapse quickly).