Challenge 001 · Ages 7–11

Wind-Powered Boat

Design and build a boat powered only by wind, then test different sail designs.

Primary STEAM area

Engineering

The Challenge

What will your learner investigate?

Can you design a wind-powered boat that travels efficiently and improve it by testing different sails?

Learning outcomes

Explain how wind force can create movement.
Design and build a stable floating prototype.
Measure performance and use test evidence to improve the sail or hull.

Connected learning

Science: forces, wind and resistance; Mathematics: measurement, timing and comparison; Geography: weather and renewable energy; English: recording and presenting findings.

Dream Areas

Marine engineeringnaval architecturerenewable energyproduct designenvironmental engineering