The Paper Speedboat is a simple project for elementary students to explore their creativity! Experiment with different shapes, designs and ways to make it move.
Access paper plans using the “Download Project” button below and watch "Step by Step Tutorials" using the video link under the project photos.
Click here: View more Boat Building Videos Download Project
Access paper plans using the “Download Project” button below and watch "Step by Step Tutorials" using the video link under the project photos.
Click here: View more Boat Building Videos Download Project
Tools & Materials
Material List
- Paper template (1 page)
- Glue, glue stick or tape for connecting pieces
- Packing Tape
- Two popsicle sticks
- Elastic band
- Rudder (short popsicle stick, wooden spoon or other water-resistant material)
- Optional: Cardboard for extra strength
Tool list
- Scissors
- Ruler or another straightedge
- Drawing tools
- Paintbrush (if making it water-resistant with glue)
Procedure
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Print the template out on cardstock (65ib or 110ib paper). If regular printer paper is used, be sure to add in step 6.
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Using scissors, cut all solid black lines. This creates two pieces.
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Decorate the blank sides of the paper in your own design.
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Fold the paper on the dotted lines. You can use the edge of a ruler to help keep a straight line.
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Glue together the tabs labelled 1, 2 and 3.
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For extra strength, especially if you are using regular printer paper, cut a 5cm X 2cm rectangle out of cardboard. Tape or glue the cardboard to the piece labelled “3” at the back of the boat.
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Use glue, or tape, to connect the two pieces of the boat.
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Make it watertight! Use tape or paint on white glue to the cover the boat.
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Tape one popsicle stick to the PORT side and one to the STARBOARD side at the STERN (Back).
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Stretch an elastic between the two sticks.
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Put the paddle in the elastic.
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With help, test the boat in the water!
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Note to helpers: it may be easiest to attach the tabs to the outside of the boat.
Extension Challenges
- Make the boat faster! Use other rudder design or change the shape.
- Make a catamaran by building two boats and connecting them together!
- Try different materials, make one out of cardboard, recycled plastic, wood or metal! This can be done by tracing the shapes on to other materials.
- Look up speed boat shapes and try your own design!