Suspension Bridges

Step into the role of an engineer and take on a real world design challenge

In this hands on workshop, students will design and build their own suspension bridge using materials like paper, string, pipe cleaners, and popsicle sticks. They’ll explore how real bridges use tension, balance, and structure to carry heavy loads across long distances.

As they build, students will investigate how cables distribute weight, why certain shapes add strength, and how small design changes can make a big difference. They’ll then put their bridge to the test, adding weight and even moving loads across it to see how it performs under pressure.

This workshop introduces deeper engineering concepts and challenges, making it ideal for older homeschool learners ready to think, test, and refine like real engineers.

Learning Outcomes

• Engineering and design
  Understand how suspension bridges use tension and structure to support loads

• Forces and physics
  Explore weight distribution, balance, and how forces act on a structure

• Problem solving and iteration
  Test bridges, identify weak points, and improve designs through refinement

• Advanced challenge and application
  Experiment with moving loads and additional materials to increase complexity

• Creativity and innovation
  Design unique bridge structures using limited materials

This workshop is made possible through the support of Cairns Regional Council.