We just did this with our incoming students during orientation in the Fall. It was a huge success. They will get wet, so make sure that your recreation department is will to supply shower facilities and towels. We used the big cardboard "wardrobes" that movers supply.
It's a great activity.
Bob at PC
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From: phys-l-bounces@carnot.physics.buffalo.edu [phys-l-bounces@carnot.physics.buffalo.edu] On Behalf Of Bernard Cleyet [bernardcleyet@redshift.com]
Sent: Sunday, April 10, 2011 4:42 PM
To: Forum for Physics Educators
Subject: [Phys-l] Another from PTSOS
"I'm thinking of having my AP students make and race cardboard boats after the AP exam in May. I know the basic idea is to make boats using only cardboard and duct tape, but Ive never tried it before. I'm wondering if anyone has experience or instructions for such an activity?
Here are my thoughts. Please feel free to comment.
1) Give each student a set amount of cardboard and duct tape. I have no idea how much to give them.
2) Let them decide how many people they want in each team. So bigger teams get more materials, but everyone on the team must get in the boat.
3) We will race across our high school pool. I'm thinking they can only use their hands or pads made from their cardboard and duct tape.
4) Give a prize for first to finish. Give prizes to all boats that make it across without sinking."
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I'll comment this time: (Much thinks for the comments on the previous one. I'm thinking about how to post the bad news.)
I think this is worse than the bridge building exercises. At least with them one consciously thinks about trusses, rigidity, etc., but it is mainly engineering. If one were assigned to make strain gauges, their amplifies, and load cells, I'd approve.