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    Home » Science Experiments for Kids » Which materials make the best boat?

    Which materials make the best boat?

    February 21, 2015 By Emma Vanstone 8 Comments

    This is a really fun activity for starting to learn about properties of materials and the effect of gradient on speed. We split the experiment into two parts, first we tested different materials to see which worked best as a boat and then we raced the boats down different inclines.

    This activity is also part of my Playful Science series, do don’t forget to check out the rest!

    Which materials make the best boat?

    Materials

    Paper

    Optional pirate decorations

    Corks

    Elastic bands

    Skewers

    Black cardboard

    Wooden lolly sticks

    Washing up sponges

    Plasticine

    Glue

    Anything else you want to try

    How to make mini pirate boats

    Construct your boats using your different materials.

    We made a lollystick raft, a simple boat with a washing up sponge and a paper boat.

    Pirate themed boats made from washing up sponges and lolly sticks for a preschool pirate themed science activity

    The paper boat worked well at first, but as it absorbed the water it sank.

    paper boat for a pirate science activity for kindergarten

    Our tub boat wasn’t stable enough and fell over. I think we needed a shorter sail.

    pirate boat

    The raft and washing up sponge floated well, but both were a little too big for our half pipes, so we decided smaller washing up sponge boats would be the best option. These were the perfect size for our pipes.

    pirate boats made from washing up sponges with a paper and wooden skewer sail
    sponge boats

    Another idea is to use corks. We fastened three together with an elastic band and added a sail.

    cork boat

    Racing pirate boats

    Next we set about investigating whether the incline of a slope affected the speed of the boat. We used the sponge boats for this, just because they were the most stable.

    Pipes resting down an incline with washing up sponge boats

    What do you need to keep constant?

    Type of boat? Do they weight the same?

    Amount and force of water – is this hard to keep the same?

    Variable

    Incline

    Which do you think would be the fastest? How can you measure which is the fastest?

    We released the boats at the same time and watched to see which reached the bottom first, but you could do them one at a time and record the time taken for each to reach the bottom from the top of the pipe.

    Other Ideas

    Use a straw to blow the boats across a calm surface of water, what happens when you blow gently and then with more force? Does the boat move faster if you blow the air close to the boat or far away?

    Can you use the straw to create waves across the water?

    making and racing boats

    Suitable for Early Learning Goal 16

    Exploring and using media and materials

    They safely use and explore a variety of materials, tools and techniques, experimenting with colour, design, texture, form and function.

    Key Stage 1 

    Everyday Materials

    Uses of Everyday Materials

    Working Scientifically

    Boats made from cork and washing up sponges for a pirate themed science activity
    Sink or Float Pirate Boats

    Last Updated on July 16, 2021 by Emma Vanstone

    « Pirate magnet maze – learn about magnetism
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    Safety Notice

    Science Sparks ( Wild Sparks Enterprises Ltd ) are not liable for the actions of activity of any person who uses the information in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources. Science Sparks assume no liability with regard to injuries or damage to property that may occur as a result of using the information and carrying out the practical activities contained in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources.

    These activities are designed to be carried out by children working with a parent, guardian or other appropriate adult. The adult involved is fully responsible for ensuring that the activities are carried out safely.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Shelli

      May 13, 2015 at 4:29 pm

      I love your website. Thank you for posting all your ideas. This pirate one looks so fun- it is on the list of things to try this summer!

      Reply
    2. Heather

      June 26, 2015 at 2:20 am

      Hi, great ideas and love the added questions to encourage their inquiry skills. I was wondering what the green stands are that are holding up your 1/2 pipe ramps? Plant cages? Also, did you buy the pipes already cut? If so, where? Thanks 🙂

      Reply
    3. YSA Yacht

      January 20, 2016 at 1:25 am

      Love the Pirate Ship made from a cup.

      Reply
    4. Words

      December 17, 2018 at 5:35 pm

      Does the sponge one work? Or does it suck up the water and sink?

      Reply

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