Junior STEM: Design and make a model sailing boat

CHALLENGE

Sailing boats use the energy of the wind to move. 

Your challenge is to design a boat with a mast and a sail. ​

Your class could hold a Boat Show during National Science Week to demonstrate what each boat can do.

RESEARCH & IMAGINE

• Which is the best shape and size for a sail? 

• Research sailing boats and sail shapes.

• What materials could you use for the boat?

• What is the best shape for a boat that will stay afloat?

• What is the best shape for a boat to help it travel efficiently on water? Does altering the boat’s shape improve its performance?

• How do we keep the boat upright?

• How can the mast and boom be secured?

PLAN, CREATE, TEST & EVALUATE

• Try building your boat(s) from a range of different materials and experiment with a variety of sail shapes.

• Test the sails by placing the boat in a container of water and simulate the wind by blowing on the sail, using a paper drinking straw. Undertake a second test using a handheld battery powered fan and compare your results.

• Can you make the boat sail in different directions?

• Can you make it sail in a circle?

• Can you make the boat travel from one place to another and return to its starting point?

• Can you design and make a catamaran, a trimaran, or an outrigger canoe…or a balloon or elastic band powered boat?

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Share photos and students’ work samples via National Science Week’s online community. The Australian Science Teachers Association loves to see pictures of children in the classroom learning, and to share photos via email at nscwk@asta.edu.au or share what has been created via Facebook, Instagram or Twitter with #scienceweek! Please ensure that you have parental permission prior to posting any images of students.