Challenge 009 · Ages 6–11
Foil Boat Challenge
Create a foil boat that can hold the greatest number of coins.
Recommended Guided Learning Time: 1.5 hours
Learners may require additional or fewer hours depending on age, prior experience, pace and the level of development they choose to take their project to.
Primary STEAM area
Engineering
The Challenge
What will your learner investigate?
Can you design a foil boat that carries the greatest load without sinking?
Learning outcomes
- Explore buoyancy, displacement and stability.
- Use shape and surface area to improve capacity.
- Collect load data and refine the hull design.
Connected learning
Science: floating and displacement; Mathematics: counting, mass and comparison; Design & Technology: prototyping; English: predictions.
Dream Areas
Prepare for this Challenge
What you'll need
Here's what may be useful for completing this activity. Requirements may vary depending on the learner, activity format and equipment available.
Materials & consumables
- Aluminium foil
- coins or identical weights
- recording sheet.
Equipment, tools & software
- Water tub
- measuring jug
- towel
- scales (optional).
Safety & preparation
- Supervise water and dry spills promptly.
These preparation notes support planning and do not replace a project-specific risk assessment or appropriate adult supervision.