Mission · with Truss
Truss's Paper Bridge
Make a bridge from paper that holds a cup of coins across a gap. Shape beats thickness.
You need
- 10 sheets of printer paper
- Tape
- Two stacks of books the same height
- A paper or plastic cup
- Coins or small washers
Steps
Set the gap
Place the book stacks 20 cm (about 8 inches) apart.
Test flat paper
Lay one flat sheet across the gap and set the cup on it. Add coins one at a time. Count before it sags.
Fold for strength
Fold paper into tubes, accordion pleats or triangle beams. Tape them into a deck.
Test again
Load the cup coin by coin. Write down your count.
Improve one thing
Change one design choice and test again. Did it hold more?
Build task
Finish line
Your bridge spans the 20 cm gap and holds the cup with at least 25 coins for 10 seconds.
Finish line: 25 coins, 10 seconds, no books touching the deck.