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    Home » Mini Motorised Boat STEM Challenge

    Mini Motorised Boat STEM Challenge

    August 9, 2021 By Emma Vanstone 1 Comment

    This mini motorised boat was a great STEM challenge that kept us busy for hours!! We kept adding extra bits to make it work better and were really happy with the end result.

    If you like this you’ll love my other easy STEM challenges or if you’re looking for something a bit easier to put together, my paper science experiments might be just the thing!

    You’ll need

    A small electric DC motor – 1.5V and mounting clip

    Propeller

    Battery

    Elastic band

    Wires

    Bubble wrap

    Materials to make a raft or boat such as lolly sticks, balloons, corks

    Glue or tape

    A tray of water

    mini motorised boat made with a small DC motor, propeller, lolly stick raft and long balloons to help it float.
    Mini Motorised Boat for a STEM Challenge

    How to make a motorised boat

    Build a raft or boat to attach the motor, fan, battery and wires to.

    You’ll need a way to protect the battery from the water. We used an elastic band wrapped around the battery to hold the wires in place and then covered the whole thing in bubble wrap.

    Attach one end of each wire to the motor and the other to an end of the battery, the motor should spin.

    I used a hot glue gun to attach the propeller to the end of the motor which then span around to power the boat.

    Labelled diagram of a mini motorised boat made for a sTEM Challenge!

    We used balloons to raise the boat/raft up and add some buoyancy. Corks, or segments of pool noodle would also work.

    top down view of a mini motorised boat for a STEM Challenge

    Once you’re happy with the design, gently place the boat in a tray of water and test it!

    More Electronics STEM Challenges

    Make a torch using a simple circuit.

    Babble Dabble Do has some brilliant tiny dancers that look amazing!

    These drawing robots are great fun and can be made in lots of different ways!

    scribble bot drawing robot

    Or try one of my other easy electronic science projects.

    Mini motorised boat made from lolly sticks and balloons for a STEM Challenge

    Last Updated on August 9, 2021 by Emma Vanstone

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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. TechyKids Canada

      August 20, 2021 at 11:01 am

      STEM challenges like these can help kids develop many life essential skills. I am sure they would enjoy the process too, thanks for sharing this idea!

      Reply

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