STEM Challenge 2021-2022

You can set toothpicks diagonally, and it does not count as stacking.

Toothpicks set perpendicularly do NOT count as stacking.

Basically, the stacking rule means that teams may not stack more than 2 toothpicks together (like a bundle of 3, 4 or more glued together) where all the toothpicks are glued collectively together.

Teams MAY glue toothpicks at different angles (such as perpendicular or other angles), teams MAY have a slight overlap of toothpicks (as long as the toothpicks aren’t overlapping each other entirely) – these examples will NOT count as ‘stacking’.

Please check with your coach or check with coordinators if you’re unsure how to understand this rule!

No.  Toothpicks used should only be the standard size found in most store boxes (each roughly 2 1/2 inches long) – see Slide 4.

No.  Any type of support system below the bridge span is not allowed.  This includes using the span supports (such as desk legs) or any other support structure built below the bridge – these are NOT allowed.  Bridges may extend up to one inch below the “span line” – the level line between the two supports. No part of the bridge may touch any part of the support (or anything else), except the top when beginning the test.

See Slide 5 in Google Slide Rules for a diagram.

Yes.  Only Elmer’s (school) glue and wood glue may be used.   Gorilla ‘Wood Glue’ is a separate type of glue than normal ‘Gorilla’ glue, and so Gorilla wood glue is allowed.  Different wood glue brands are allowed, but take note of Slide 4 stating that regular Gorilla glue, hot glue, rubber cement, super glue, epoxy, etc. are all NOT allowed.  The ‘etc.’ means ANY other type of glue besides regular school Elmer’s Glue or a brand of wood glue are not allowed.

No.  Paint of any type is not allowed on the bridge.  See Slide 4.

This is a place you can post questions related to this year’s ‘STEM Challenge’!  We’ll try to answer your question within a short period of time.  Good luck with your bridge designs! 🙂