Those who are gifted with dexterity will find this activity simple and fun, perfect for family and personal entertainment. Whether it's for a job at school, a construction contest, or a simple collection, the straw bridge is an activity suitable for all ages. Those who intend to build it together with children who have little (or no) experience with the use of scissors, must ensure the presence of an adult. The steps listed below are simple and easy to follow to make a fun and enjoyable project. Enjoy it.
Steps
Step 1. Prepare the material
Open the bag of straws, take out the duct tape, and arrange all the material on a spacious, clear table to begin construction.
Step 2. Build the base of the bridge
Depending on your personal preference regarding the thickness of the base, take 8 straws and arrange them side by side at the end of the other.
Step 3. Squeeze the ends with your fingers
Take 4 straws and, one by one, squeeze one end, bending it into a V to insert it into the next straw.
Step 4. Connect the straws
Holding the squeezed part of the straw in your hand, insert the end about 2.5 cm into the open end of the other straw. Do this for all 8 straws.
Step 5. Secure the straws
Once the straws are evenly lined up, hold them steady and apply duct tape to begin the harvesting process.
Step 6. Form the base
By placing the straws on a flat surface, wrap the adhesive tape in the middle and at one end of the straws.
Step 7. Shape the body
Taking 8 more straws, repeat steps 3 and 4 on the ends of the side straws as indicated. Do this for all 8 straws.
Step 8. External straws
Fold the straws located at the ends up and in to make it easier to connect with the top.
Step 9. Build the top:
Take 4 straws from the remaining pile and use one to repeat step 3. Do this on all 8 straws.
Step 10. Connect it to the rest of the building
After inserting the end of the straw, fold it and connect the opposite end to the corresponding straw on the other side.
Step 11. Secure the top
Performing step 10 for all the side straws, fasten the outer straws of the top together with adhesive tape 2 to ensure their solidity.
Step 12. Complete it
After attaching the two outer straws, tape all 4 straws to ensure a firmer grip.
Step 13. Tape three parts together
Glue the upper part of the bridge with adhesive tape in 3 places, in the center and on the 2 side folds.
Step 14. Apply solid support to the base
Put a layer of masking tape on the folded corners of the deck base.
Step 15. Support beams
Take 4 straws and insert them between the 2 outer straws of the top and bottom of the deck. Do this on all 4 corners.
Step 16. Lower support to the base
Take 4 straws and line them up on the underside of the support beams.
Step 17. Cut to size
Measure a generous 1cm from the support beam on the left side of the straw.
Step 18. Cut to size (2)
Measure 1 cm generous also on the right side and cut off the remainder of the straw.
Step 19. Secure the lower support
After you have cut the straws, tape them together with the tape in the middle.
Step 20. Put the bottom support into operation
Take the 4 straws secured with tape and place them in the middle of the support beams under the bridge.
Step 21. Additional Support
Take two more straws and wedge them between the top, base and bottom support at the base, towards the middle of the bridge.
Step 22. Tape the additional support
Tape the ends of the additional media in opposite directions.
Step 23. Final adjustment
After taping the beams of the additional support and making the necessary adjustments, the bridge will finally be completed.