Build a Boat.
The Challenge
Find out why a boat might sink when carrying the same amount of weight as another boat that floats.
If a boat weighs 1,000 pounds, it will sink into the water until it has displaced 1,00 pounds of water. Provided that the boat displaces 1,000 pounds of water before the whole thing is submerged, the boat floats.
Supplies
In order to complete Objective 2:
STEP 1: Construct a boat
Build a boat of aluminum foil, using ONLY one sheet of foil. Your boat will need to carry a payload, so you may want to try and make it wide and flat with short sides. Use all of the aluminum foil. Don’t tear off or add any pieces.
STEP 2: Test your boat
Place your boat in the bucket of water at the testing station. Does it float?
STEP 3: Add the payload.
At the testing area, see if your boat holds the payload – a Master Lock.
In order to complete Objective 3:
STEP 1: Weight of a Master Lock Body in Washers:
Use the digital scale to find out how many washers equal the weight of a master lock body.
In order to complete Objective 4:
STEP 1: Remake your boat, if needed.
STEP 2: Distribute Weight
Take your boat to the testing area and slowly place the washers on the boat (make sure they are spread out) until the boat is holding the equivalent weight of a master lock body.
STEP 3: Fill out the form below.
Find out why a boat might sink when carrying the same amount of weight as another boat that floats.
If a boat weighs 1,000 pounds, it will sink into the water until it has displaced 1,00 pounds of water. Provided that the boat displaces 1,000 pounds of water before the whole thing is submerged, the boat floats.
Supplies
- 1 Master Lock
- 1 Digital Scale
- 2 Foil Squares
- Washers
In order to complete Objective 2:
STEP 1: Construct a boat
Build a boat of aluminum foil, using ONLY one sheet of foil. Your boat will need to carry a payload, so you may want to try and make it wide and flat with short sides. Use all of the aluminum foil. Don’t tear off or add any pieces.
STEP 2: Test your boat
Place your boat in the bucket of water at the testing station. Does it float?
STEP 3: Add the payload.
At the testing area, see if your boat holds the payload – a Master Lock.
In order to complete Objective 3:
STEP 1: Weight of a Master Lock Body in Washers:
Use the digital scale to find out how many washers equal the weight of a master lock body.
In order to complete Objective 4:
STEP 1: Remake your boat, if needed.
STEP 2: Distribute Weight
Take your boat to the testing area and slowly place the washers on the boat (make sure they are spread out) until the boat is holding the equivalent weight of a master lock body.
STEP 3: Fill out the form below.