Tiny Raft

Aim of the Activity

To make a raft and float it

Target Year Level

Year 2 - 5

Curriculum Alignment

Technology, Science

Things you will need

• Scissors

• String

• Natural materials (for example, leaves, twigs, feathers)

Description of the Activity

• Collect your materials - collect some sticks or twigs that are roughly the same length and some that are slightly longer for support and the mast.

• Also gather some fallen leaves, petals or feathers – these will be the flag on the raft.

• Cut some pieces of string, to around one metre long.

• Build your tiny raft by utilising the materials provided

• Set sail with your tiny raft (Please ensure there is parent supervision for this part as it is around water)

• Test your raft by floating it in a small shallow pool of water. Does it float? Is it ready for a bigger journey? Make any changes needed.

• Now it’s time to set sail. Let your raft go across open water, if you can access some. Whether it’s a pond, lake, or a big bucket, see how well it sails, and whether it can carry any items with it.

• If the raft isn’t made entirely from natural materials, try not to leave it behind on the water. Take it away again if it’s safe to do so.

Questions to talk about with your child

• Was it easy to find materials in outdoor spaces near you?

• Did you use all natural materials to make your raft?

• Why is it best to take rafts home with you if they’re not made entirely of natural materials?

• Did you try more than one way of weaving the twine and tying knots? Which ways worked best?

• What challenges did you find when making your raft?

• If you were going to make a bigger raft, to carry a person, what materials would you use (logs and rope for the deck, and empty barrels for buoyancy)?

Links for further learning

Look here for some more ideas and hints

https://www.scouts.org.uk/activities/teeny-tiny-twig-rafts/

https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/the-great-indoors-bear-grylls