Building a Scientific Research Vessel

Topic: In this team-based, hands-on activity, students design and build a seaworthy vessel that floats in water and can hold a specific amount of weight.

Time: 60 minutes; implemented in one session

Materials:

• Computer with projector and Internet access

• PowerPoint: Building a Scientific Research Vessel

• Pre-Activity Checklist

• Tell My Story Form

• Student Handout: Building a Scientific Research Vessel

• Challenge (1 per student)

• Pen/pencil (1 per student)

• Metric ruler (1 per team)

• 2 rolls of aluminum foil

• 4 rolls of duct tape

• 2 rolls of plastic wrap

• 50 Popsicle sticks

• 25 straws

• 20–30 corks

• 300 pennies

• 25 skewers

• 50–60 LEGOs

• 1 ball of string

• 2 long plastic containers (e.g., Rubbermaid) filled with water (minimum 24 inches long x 12 inches wide x 8 inches deep)

Cost: US$20 (excludes optional items) in materials costs when completing this activity with 20 students organized into teams of three or four students.