Discussion Questions: Designing a Paper Bridge
Why do you think folding the paper works to hold up the pennies? Explain, using a sketch. Can you think of other bridges that use triangles to provide support? Using the paper bridge as an example, explain how the triangles help. Describe the pushes and pulls that are acting on the flat paper bridge and the accordion-folded bridge. Can you think of another way to fold the sheet of paper to make a strong bridge? Before you test it, analyze the bridge in term of pushes and pulls, compression and tension. What other shapes of paper are stronger than flat paper?
