How much weight can a bridge made of straws and hot glue support? AP Physics students recently discovered the answer as they put their classroom knowledge to work in a bridge-building challenge that tested their creativity, problem-solving skills, and understanding of scientific principles. Using only straws and hot glue, students designed and constructed bridges weighing no more than 55 grams and spanning a 35-centimeter canyon. Their goal was to create a truss structure capable of distributing forces efficiently and supporting the greatest possible load before breaking. Drawing on their knowledge of Newton’s laws, center of mass, structural support, and static equilibrium, students transformed classroom concepts into practical engineering solutions. Craig Busch designed the winning bridge, which weighed just 41 grams but supported an impressive 13 pounds, more than 143 times its own weight. The hands-on challenge demonstrated how students can apply what they learn in the classroom to solve real-world problems. The class is taught by Mrs. Jessica Duke.