Boats for Speed, Boats for Hauling
Updated: April 6, 2004
Students develop science, language arts, research, communication and technology skills as they investigate boats and buoyancy. They build boats out of plasticine, test each boat's hauling capacity, and then modify the boat’s design for speed. The class holds a race to determine which boat design is the fastest. They then analyze their findings and present the information to classmates and parents. Prepare to get wet!
“The technology integration allowed me as a teacher to aid weaker students while the stronger ones moved ahead on their own.”
Aaron Ball, Concordia University College
Objectives
| • | Learn about balance, density, stability, buoyancy, and different methods of propelling watercraft. |
| • | Construct objects that will float on and move through water, and evaluate various designs for boats. |
| • | Conduct Internet research to explore possible improvements and modifications to their boats. |
| • | Collect and chart data about the hauling capacity and the speed of their boats, and then present their findings in a multimedia presentation. |
Learning Areas
| • | Science |
| • | Language arts |
| • | Math |
| • | Technology |
Levels
Software
| • | Microsoft® Internet Explorer |
| • | Microsoft PowerPoint® |
| • | Microsoft Excel |
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