Command task 13: Mini bridges
Equipment: Old newspapers, sticky tape, scissors, weights (for example, bags of coins)
Time: 20-30 minutes
Where: Works best indoors
Aim: Construct a bridge capable of supporting weight
Benefits: Planning, cooperation and careful use of resources
Instructions: In small teams, cadets must design and construct a model bridge, at least 30cm long and 15cm off the ground. Itmust be free-standing and support weight. Only limited resources should be given to each team (one newspaper, 1.5m sticky tape), meaning that they must plan carefully. Cadets who launch straight in tend to run short of resources and fail to produce something that can bear weight.
Make it easier: Allocate more resources to each team
Make it harder: Reduce the time or make teams bigger