The bridge was designed by Leonardo Da Vinci between 1485 and 1490, to be built rapidly with local trees, that could be easily slid into place, lashed together, and then crossed quickly, making troop movement over rivers speedy, creating a surprise factor that was critical to success in battles.
Leonardo applied the laws of statics, which he had developed during his architectural research. In his journals he wrote laws about friction, one of which stated that if the load on an object is doubled, its friction also doubles.
Interestingly, when weight is applied down, it gets tighter and stronger, yet when lifted it falls.
- Easy to make by beginner model makers.
- All natural wood.
- 9.5 cm tall x 24 cm across
Great for STEM Programs and Home Learning
Inspired by the ingenious design of Leonardo da Vinci, this bridge model allows children to explore how simple pieces can create a strong and stable structure without nails or glue. By building the bridge, children discover the principles of balance, friction, and structural engineering through hands-on experimentation.
- Perfect for STEM workshops and classroom history or engineering projects
- Great for maker events, camps, and after-school programs
- Encourages creativity, structural thinking, and problem-solving
- Excellent for home learning and family exploration
- No engineering background required - children naturally learn through building and experimenting
Ordering for a school or organization? Bulk orders are welcome - contact us for group pricing and shipping options.
Browse our Hydraulic Machines and Medieval Siege Engines collection.
Reviews for LEONARDO DA VINCI EMERGENCY BRIDGE (6-12 Years)