Things That Fly / Float / Roll

So, we've picked our topics for Science Club next year! This year we studied Weather and Fungi. But, inspired by the Cardboard Boat Regatta today, Zac really wants to make a boat design next year. So, we can start the year with Things That Fly (paper airplanes, etc.). Then after Christmas we can do Things That Float and work on building our boat entry. And after the Regatta we can wrap up the year with Things That Roll (balloon-powered cars, etc.)

That means next year I'll be watching the race from the other side of the lake, where the contestents put their boats in. That's the more social side. And today I discovered there are food trucks over there!

We do like sitting by the finish line, though, because even though it's quieter most of the time (a LOT of boats don't make it that far), it's very exciting (some boats actually do)!

Building a Boat that actually floats is perfect for the 3rd grade Building block. It's a wonderful combination of Measurement and Practical Life!

Zac and I took careful notes as to which designs worked well in the water and which ones didn't. We think that we want a boat that is narrow (wide boats spin in the water) with low sides (tall boats tip in the water) and which you sit ON and not IN. Boats that are closed on top don't take in water the way boats that are open on the top do. Here are two that worked very well:

The four people on the black boat sat on it cross-legged.

The two people in the green boat knelt in the small recessed spaces.

We can have former homeschool co-op students who have participated in this contest come in to be special guests, and share their thoughts about boat design and waterproofing techniques (lots of duct tape)!

It's also important that the children practice their paddling skills in advance!

But first we will begin the year with Things That Fly, another favorite topic of my son's. So I want to make a list of paper airplane books and other resources that I think will serve me well in September. We will have to do kites as well, of course. And bubbles!!!

If you know of other book titles, please share them!

Amazing Leonardo da Vinci Inventions You Can Build Yourself
by Maxine Anderson
"Build Your Own Ornithopter," p.80
"Make Leonardo's Helical Air Screw Model," p.85
"Make Leonardo's Parachute," p.90

Kids' Paper Airplane Book
by Ken Blackburn and Jeff Lammers

Earth, Water, Fire and Air: Playful Explorations in the Four Elements
by Walter Kraul

The Best Book of Bikes
by Amy Pinchuk

Skateboards: How to Make Them, How to Ride Them
by Glenn and Eve Bunting

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