Foil Boats

Summary:

Students will build a “boat” out of foil. Then, teachers will help them test the boat in a container of water where students can place weights onto the boat. Teachers will then weigh the weights with a food scale and students can compare their boats’ weight capacities. 

Standards:

[NC.K.MD.2] Directly compare two objects with a measurable attribute in common, to see which object has “more of”/“less of” the attribute, and describe the difference.

[NC.3.MD.2] Solve problems involving customary measurement.

[NC.4.MD.3] Solve problems with area and perimeter.

Supplies:

• Aluminum foil

• toothpicks

• popsicle sticks

• Masking tape

• Design sheets

• Graph paper (3-5)

  • Graph Paper 

• clear container

• water

• food scale

• weights: coins or animal figurines

• Paper towels

Additional Materials:

Flyer

Slides

Design Sheets

Graph Paper (to print) 

Foil Boats Grades 3-5 Table (make copy to fill out on board)