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Popsicle stick bridge building contest provides engineering insight

Still time to enter competition

Anyone with a passion for building will enjoy the second annual Sunshine Coast Popsicle Stick Bridge Building contest, March 10. This is a great introduction to the engineering profession with some real hands-on experience.

To help participants with their bridge designs, a workshop facilitated by Donald Burkholder, an engineer from world-renowned Buckland and Taylor Ltd. of North Vancouver, was held recently. The workshop provided inspiration and instruction. Among the many important points he gave was that the glue should dry for at least one week before the testing. Longer is stronger.

Although the workshop has come and gone, anyone of any age group may enter the competition and compete in elementary, secondary, family and open divisions. Kits can be purchased from Rona Building Supply in Powell River

In addition to the usual bridge, new this year is the addition of dental floss to build cable-supported bridges.

People entering from Powell River can register between 10 and 11 am on event day, Saturday, March 10 at Sechelt Seniors’ Activity Centre, 5604 Trail Avenue. Testing will start at 10 am with pre-registered bridges, then bridges registered that morning, followed by awards and three educational videos.

Displayed models will be evaluated by a panel of judges and prizes will be awarded according to creativity, originality and artistry.