Use common materials to explore buoyancy and power! Design a working electric motor boat with this activity. Find your hull in the recycling bin (milk jug, foam tray, pool noodles, etc.). Add the motor, propeller and other components. Set it in the water and watch it go. Learn through experimentation and tinkering. Evolve your boat through the engineering design process. This activity features Mini Hub Assemblies that allow you to create unique propellers by changing blade shape, angle and number.

This educational product pairs well with the Chapter 1 activity featured in The Power of the Wind Curriculum and is suitable for all ages, however youth 12 and under may require adult supervision.

Click on the flowchart to view documents from each category.

Always download the PDF version of documents (unless you need to edit them - then download DOCX).
 

Make even more innovative Boats with these optional tools!

Multi-Cutter
Cut dowels, strips,
recycling bin items,
etc.

Reamer
Ream teeth from
holes so dowels
spin freely.

Screw Driver
Drive screws
into holes.

Mini Hammer
Tap dowels into
other components.

Slip Joint Pliers
Grab nuts, bend
wires, etc.

 

Build-A-Boat Components

 

What comes with Build-A-Boat?

2x Perpendicular Blocks
3x Connector Strips
4x Screws (#10 25 mm)
4x Nuts (#10)
10x Project Sticks (250 mm)
1x Mini Hub Cover (red)
1x Mini Hub Base (red)
1x Mini Hub Screw
4x Zip Ties
1x Motor (Small 1.5V - 3V)
1x Motor Mount (Small 1.5V - 3V)
1x Battery Holder w/Leads & Switch
1x Chipboard (22 cm x 5 cm)
1x Dowels (300 mm)
2x Dowels (150 mm)
3x Dowels (100 mm)
2x Dowels (75 mm)

 

This is an educational product and not a toy. It is intended for use by ages 6 and above with adult supervision.

Science, Math & Engineering Standards

Our engineering kits fit proposals, grants or lesson plans with ease! Explore more resources below:

 

NGSS Standards Spreadsheet: PDF DOCX	NGSS standards matrix for all activities.
ITEEA Standards Spreadsheet: PDF DOCX	ITEEA standards matrix for all activities.