Each year, physics students have enjoyed competing in structure building contests for both grades and prizes. Masses are added to the tops of the towers in 1 kilogram increments until the tower collapses. Additional materials allowed for bridges include 50 cm of tape and 2 craft sticks.
Students build a structure similar to the bridge except that it is held at only one end.
Students are scored on the maximum torque the arm can withstand before collapsing Write-ups are required from each student participating in the contests. Students are asked to illustrate where the forces of tension, compression, and shear are to be found in the structure they have built along with an explanation of their design strategy.