Students in Wood Middle School (WMS) Technology and Design (TAD) classes took part in the Paper Truss Bridge Challenge at the school Nov. 8 to 10. For the past 12 weeks, TAD students had been studying bridge design, leading up to the bridge challenge.

As part of WMS Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) Integrated Learning project, the learners were challenged to design and build a paper truss bridge out of recycled printing paper and Elmer's glue that needs to hold at least five pounds.

The rules of the project are the bridge must be at least 50 cm in length, must weigh less than 500 grams, and must have a loading zone so that weights can be placed.

A triangular-shaped bridge created by three WMS eighth graders was able to hold a weight of 70 lbs. The bridge did not break, and the class ran out of weight. The highest weight ever in the previous year was 36 pounds. Twenty-two bridges were built by 66 students. Many learners have been taking the class since sixth grade.

Leading up this challenge, the learners learned about bridges around Alameda and the Bay Area by building, testing and playing with various types of bridges made from newspapers, index cards, straws and strings.

About eight years ago WMS focused on teaching Integrated Learning with a STEAM focus. TAD is an applied engineering class that allows learners to design, build and test ideas, like bridges, rollercoasters, self-propelled boats, water rockets, mechanical hands, and more. Because TAD classes are based on the idea of "First World education with a Third World mentality," all projects are made from recycled materials, such as reused copied paper, Styrofoam take out containers, and chopsticks.

Nga Nguyen is WMS’s STEAM Facilitator.