Students in Orcas Christian School’s Science Technology Engineering and Math class recently showcased their engineering prowess in a bridge design project that blended digital modeling with hands-on construction, demonstrating the power of innovation and teamwork.

Using specialized 3D bridge design software, the students created detailed digital models of their bridges, considering critical structural elements such as material properties, load distribution, environmental factors and aesthetics. Their task was to design a bridge that could span an 18-inch gap while supporting at least 5 pounds of weight.

“This project gave students a real-world perspective on the challenges engineers face when designing infrastructure,” said the STEM instructor overseeing the project. “They had to balance structural integrity with material limitations and construction feasibility — just like professional engineers do.”

The students were introduced to fundamental engineering principles, including compression, tension, load distribution and structural efficiency. Many of their designs incorporated well-known bridge types, such as truss bridges, arch bridges and suspension bridges, each offering unique weight distribution and durability advantages.

After finalizing their digital designs, the students transitioned to the physical construction phase, building scaled-down models using balsa wood and glue. This hands-on task required them to translate theoretical knowledge into practical applications, emphasizing precision and reinforcement techniques.

The students gradually added weight to their bridges during testing to assess their structural limits. All of the bridges met the minimum 5-pound requirement, but some went above and beyond expectations. The most impressive structure held up to an extraordinary 45 pounds before ultimately breaking.

“Seeing the bridges perform beyond our expectations was incredible,” said one of the students involved. “It felt great to see our hard work and design decisions pay off.”

The project deepened students’ understanding of engineering and physics and fostered collaboration, problem-solving and creative thinking. As STEM education continues to evolve, projects like this bridge challenge are helping shape the next generation of engineers and designers.

This hands-on experience is a prime example of how integrating digital design with physical construction can inspire students and bring abstract concepts to life in the real world.