Building Bridges, Understanding Forces

Yesterday, Afterschool students read the story, Javier Builds a Bridge at the start of our Bridges and Towers unit.  In the story, a boy named Javier learns about civil engineering, how to design and build a bridge, but also how working together unites people.  

I've crossed some crazy bridges, and some famous ones.  I walked across the Brooklyn Bridge and the Golden Gate Bridge, closed my eyes crossing the Astoria Megler Bridge (I wasn't driving), and walked under the Aqueduct of Segovia.  Bridges are amazing feats of engineering. I have to admit, they scare me a little, but I am always astounded by the sheer brilliance and functional beauty of the structures that bring people together across a wide span.  

What bridges have you crossed? Have you ever built one? What other ways can we bring people together?