Students participating in the physics department's bridge challenge had to use ingenuity, creativity and their knowledge of science to win this competition, held Nov. 10. Details, results and photographs...
The team of Brittany Davis, George Hall and Melanie Moshier won the competition by building “The Dominator,” which held 14,342 grams (14.3 kg) before breaking.
Teams had to construct a bridge at least 100 centimeters long using no more than 100 popsicle sticks, an “S” hook and glue. The “S” hook was placed in the middle of the bridge, from which weights were suspended. Weight was added until each bridge collapsed.
A total of 17 teams participated in the competition, which was sponsored by the Society of Physics Students. Finishing in second place was the team of Lindsey Gonzalez, M.K. Spear, Louis Aiello and Lisa Denny, whose bridge named “Entwuf Enterprises” held 8,724 grams. In third place was Ian Kennedy, Adam Frank, Wade Harvey and Wendy Turner who built “London Bridge is Falling Down.” Their bridge withstood 7,788 grams before failing.
Martin Kamela, assistant professor of physics, reports that the competition record of 16 kg, set in 2002, is safe for at least another year! The top three teams received t-shirts from the competition.