Quick Details
Student
Grades K–5
$ 25
Design. Build. Float & Learn the Science of Boats!
Ahoy, young engineers! Set sail on a hands-on adventure as we explore what makes boats float, how they move, and the parts that help them travel across water. In Boat Builders, students will dive into the science and design of boats, learning all about buoyancy, balance, propulsion, and structure—while building and testing boats of their own!
Using everyday materials and open-ended challenges, students will become engineers, designers, and captains of their own creations. Each activity is inquiry-based, hands-on, and tailored to be developmentally appropriate for different age levels.
Activities are differentiated by age group to encourage deeper learning, collaboration, and creativity while keeping things developmentally appropriate and FUN!
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- Parts of a boat (hull, bow, stern, keel, rudder, sail, and more)
- What makes a boat float or sink (buoyancy and displacement)
- How boats move (wind power, paddles, sails, and motors)
- Engineering concepts: testing, refining, and redesigning
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Books are carefully chosen to engage learners of all ages, spark questions, and connect scientific learning with storytelling and imagination.
Sample titles may include:
- “Who Sank the Boat?” by Pamela Allen – a playful intro to buoyancy and weight
- “Boats Float!” by George Ella Lyon – poetic nonfiction for early readers
- “The Little Boat” by Kathy Henderson – a tale of adventure and courage at sea
- “Pop’s Bridge” by Eve Bunting – connects engineering and teamwork
- “Crossing on Time” by David Macaulay – advanced readers explore shipbuilding history
Nonfiction texts with diagrams of boats and famous vessels
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Each book supports discussion and investigation—inviting students to think like scientists and storytellers.
Students explore real-world challenges using age-appropriate materials and problem-solving processes:
- Float or sink tests with various materials
- Design & build your own boat from cardboard, foil, cork, or recycled items
- Race powered boats using wind (sails), rubber bands, or balloon propulsion
- Add cargo and test weight limits while learning about stability and balance
- Create and label boat diagrams
- Explore motion in water using paddles, sails, and propellers
- Build a rescue boat that must float and carry “passengers” safely to shore