Library hosts young bridge engineers for Saturday Science class

Posted: November 21, 2015 2345
Children stress-test the limits of a bridge using K'Nex at the Mountlake Terrace Library Saturday. Safety glasses are required to protect eyes. (Photos by David Carlos)
Children stress-test the limits of a bridge using K’Nex at the Mountlake Terrace Library Saturday. Safety glasses are required to protect eyes. (Photos by David Carlos)

A group of 18 students between ages 8-11 built bridges made of K’Nex rods and connectors Saturday at the Mountlake Terrace Library.

The class was part of “Science Saturday with the Pacific Science Center,” which is held twice a month at the library.

Partners collaborate on building a bridge.
Partners collaborate on building.

The budding engineers were asked to design and build bridges, keeping structure and aesthetics in mind. A spring-loaded tool then stress-tested the bridges for strength. Inevitably, the bridges would collapse under the heavy load.

It was then up to the students to rebuild the bridges, using greater reinforcement.

Andrea from the Pacific Science Center demonstrates a tool for testing the limits of a structure.
Andrea Rockwood from the Pacific Science Center demonstrates a tool for testing the limits of a structure.

The Friends of the Mountlake Terrace Library and Sno-Isle Library Foundation sponsored the class.

Future Science Saturday classes are:
The Sciences of Art, Dec 12, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Unravel the Mysteries of Light, Dec 19, 1:30 p.m.

Two young engineers at work.
Two young engineers at work.
Students work with Mike from the Pacific Science Center.
Students work with Mike Sweeney from the Pacific Science Center.

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