Updated 03/26/2010 01:53 PM
Students build, then smash bridge
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SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- Students from around Central New York are smashing bridges. It's part of an annual competition at SUNY ESF.
Since the beginning of the year, students carefully created 30 bridges made of balsa wood. They are placed on a hydraulic testing machine.
The bridge that weighs the least, but holds the most weight is the winner. Some of the bridges hold more than 80 pounds.
Sometimes the bridges break, but students say it's all a learning experience.
"It really showed us the best way to create angles and the best joints to use when you want to build something like this at home," said competitor Jake Tallents.
"It's more about I'd say them getting to learn how to do something and just build something and be proud of it. Then they actually see what they made," said organizer Glenn Shivers.
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