Cynthia’s Paper Bridge

Cynthia and Gordon make a paper bridge in class. Two wooden blocks stand apart on the wide table.

Cynthia lays a flat strip of paper across the gap. Both ends rest on the tops of the blocks.

Gordon puts a small metal ring in the middle. The paper bends down, and the ring slides off.

“We need a stronger bridge,” says Cynthia. She takes a fresh strip and folds it back and forth.

The folds make a row of small ridges. Gordon holds the blocks still while Cynthia sets the paper across.

She places the same ring in the middle. This time, the folded paper stays up between the blocks.

Gordon looks at both strips side by side. “The folds helped,” he says. Cynthia draws the bridge in her book.

They leave the bridge on the table for the class to see. A few careful folds have made a big change.