text: Build a truss bridge- use as many triangular shapes as possible, and laminate the popsicle-sticks on the top and bottom portions (to combat tensile and compression loads.  As far as how much load it will hold, I’m not sure of an exact number - but you will probably be surprised.  I built two popsicle-stick bridges in middle school, and they held upwards of 60lbs across a 24" span.  Check out    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Truss_bridge   and   http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Truss