Middle School Cheers on Classmates at 2nd Annual Cardboard Boat Regatta

The young engineers were on their own for this challenge; rather than getting instruction on density or boat design, they were encouraged to brainstorm and work by trial-and-error. Though many of the boats sank when the enthusiastic students jumped in too quickly, a more cautious team did manage to guide their vessel all the way across the pool.

The challenge was designed by Middle School science instructor Emily Egan and Science Department Chairperson Jim Barnaby, who took inspiration from a similar regatta developed at a charter school in Florida. In the wake of the race, students calculated the volume and density of their boats in preparation for a density lab assignment that will make use of 3D printing technology. Each team of students will print five boats with different density measurements and test them in water, helping them better understand the relationship between density and flotation.

“In addition to the science and math applications, this project served as a great team building/bonding experience for the kids,” said Jim Barnaby. “[It was] a great kick off to the Vermont trip where team building and class bonding are the goal.” He and Emily look forward to continuing the tradition for years to come.