Project Lead The Way - Cardboard Boat Racing

Project Lead The Way

Lauren Chiappetta

As of now Mr. Venne’s Principles of Engineering class are constructing boats out of cardboard to race across the pool as part of, Project Lead The Way. From this hands on project his students learn about kinematics, which is the study of motion.

Students will do calculations on their boat which include distance, displacement, speed, velocity and acceleration. All of these calculations present students with the opportunity to work through the engineering design process. Students will use video analysis software to make all aforementioned calculations to see if their boat will float.

“Students were given non waxy cardboard, and the cheapest packing tape money can buy. They also have access to utility knives and rulers. ”, said Mr. Venne when I asked what materials the students were allowed to use.

To give their drab cardboard boat some spunk, students will be allowed to add decorations with paint and can wear costumes to go along with it.

“Some of the keys to success are going to be how sturdy the boat is at points where the students sit in the boat, how well they sealed the seams with tape, and the shape of the front of their boat”, said Mr. Venne.

Two people from each team will be in the boat for the race. To determine if their boat is a winner students will race to the other side of the pool, without sinking. Hopefully many boats will make it across, if this happens whoever had the fastest time will be the winner. The prize of the win is the fame, glory and knowledge that comes with it!