Build a Boat

The Challenge:

Design and build a boat that will float and hold weight. You can use up to 2 different materials (1 building material and 1 adhesive). Your boat's width and length must not exceed 5x7 inches (we used a large index card to check).

Test for durability:

1. It must stay afloat for 1 minute (without added weight).

2. Add weight, one at a time, until the boat capsizes.

• We used marbles, but you could use whatever you have around the house. Coins work well. The marbles did roll around, causing weight to not be distributed evenly. This might have effected our results.

Suggested Building Materials (pick one): clay, aluminum foil, straws, craft sticks, cardboardSuggested Adhesive (pick one): Scotch tape, masking tape, duct tape, hot glue (with an adults help)

Resources:

Why do Ships Float? (Sci Show Kids)

Float a Boat (Sci Show Kids)

Buoyancy (BrainPop)

Sink or Float (BrainPop Jr)

Learn about Archimedes' Principle here and here

Alternate Challenge: Build a sail boat and test how long it takes to reach a goal line. Use a straw to blow on the sail (you may not touch it with your hands). You'll need a long container! If your boat tips over, add a little weight (like coins) to help keep the center balanced.