Have you ever wondered how a giant supertanker filled with oil can float? What about an aircraft carrier? Tyler ISD Career & Technology (CTC) architect and engineering students have been learning the answers to these questions and using their knowledge in a fun and collaborative way.
"The first Cardboard Boat Regatta was launched six years ago as part of a lesson plan for Tyler ISD students," instructor Mike Baker said. "The end-of-year project focuses on math and science. It is part of the same curriculum as the MIT Freshman Engineering class. For fun, all classes at the CTC were invited to participate this year."
Students were grouped into 4-member teams to meet the objectives. To build a boat out of cardboard and duct tape capable of holding at least one person (maximum of two) that can be launched and paddled across a water enclosure. They had to apply Archimedes' Principle to their design and use teamwork, communication, and ingenuity to be successful in the project.
Students received group and individual grades based on a point system. A few overall goals included how long a boat stays afloat, how much distance it covers in the water, and whether it makes it back and forth.
Creativity and school spirit were other categories judged as part of pre‐race activities. Teams could "show off" their work by creating a theme with originality, enthusiasm, and showmanship.
There were 144 students divided into 29 teams who competed. Five teams completed the race with the boat and pilot intact.
First place – <s. Failure & The Strugglers with a time of 2:56
Second Place – The Olympics with a time of 3:42
Third Place – GRL PWR with time of 3:55
Fourth Place – C.C.’s Team with a time of 4:46
Fifth Place – Turbo Chargers with a time of 6:32
For more information, contact Jennifer Hines at Jennifer.Hines@TylerISD.org.