Widseth architects and engineers have partnered with Forestview Middle School for nearly a decade to provide insight on bridge design during an after school STEM class taught by Layne and Helene Danielson. The three-week class challenges students to research, design, and build a bridge out of 100 popsicle sticks, two ounces of glue, and one sheet of paper. Students work in pairs to gain valuable experience working as a team. At the end of the class, bridges are judged on aesthetics and strength. For the past two years, Widseth has held its own popsicle stick bridge competition, judged by middle school students.
On May 25 students were invited to Widseth's office to judge bridges designed by employees based on aesthetics, anticipated strength, and their overall favorite. The students also helped stack weights to conduct the strength test. A bridge named The French Revolution held the most weight at a staggering 202 pounds! Aesthetics and overall favorite awards went to a groovy looking structure named 59th Street Bridge.
Click here to read a full article about the event by Theresa Bourke of the Brainerd Dispatch.