36th Annual
Toothpick Bridge Competition

Thursday, February 24, 2011

The Challenge:

The competition is open to all students grades 1 through college. Students are invited to build a structure using only round wooden toothpicks and glue that:

  • Spans more than 56 centimeters.
  • Stands no more than 30 cm tall.
  • Weighs less than 85 grams.

You'll load your bridge with weights as shown. When the bridge breaks, we divide the load it held by the weight of the bridge to determine its strength. The strongest bridges win cash prizes!

(Note: In the interest of contestant safety, the competition sponsors are expolring alternate means to apply the load - some mechanical or hydraulic device may replace the weights, but the contestants will still apply the load to their own bridges!)

The Rewards:

    • 1st Place - $125
    • 2nd Place - $100
    • 3rd Place - $75
    • Next High in each Class - $40
      • College
      • High School (Grades 10-12)
      • Middle School (Grades 7-9)
      • Elementary (Grades 1-6)
    • Best Appearance - $40

 

 

 

 

On Thursday, February 24, 2011, you will bring your bridge to the competition site:

Comstock Memorial Union Ballroom
Minnesota State University Moorhead
6th Avenue and 14th Street South
Moorhead, Minnesota

Weigh-in starts at 4:30 pm
Loading starts at 5:00 pm

Judges from the Fargo-Moorhead Engineers Club will weigh each bridge, and check each bridge for compliance with the rules and design limitiations. The will also review the entries, and will award a special prize of $40 to the best-looking bridge - that bridge whose design and construction in their opinion shows the best overall appearance.

 

The Toothpick Bridge Competition is sponsored annually
in support of National Engineers Week by:

Minnesota State University Moorhead

The Fargo-Moorhead Engineers Club

To view the official rules, see pictures of past winners, register on-line, or to see tips on building a bridge, follow the links above. If you have other questions, please e-mail or call the Competition coordinator:

Dr. Ron Williams
Chair, Department of Technology
218-477-2480