How to Make a Puddle Paddle Boat

Spring rain brings puddles... And where you find puddles, you'll find kids!

Have fun in the puddles that spring brings by making a puddle paddle boat!

This activity is a fun way to experiment with Newton’s Third Law of Motion - action and reaction!

For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Cardboard
• Scissors
• Rubber Band
• Ruler or our Paddle Boat template (free download at the bottom of this article)
• Rubber Band
• Masking Tape
• Puddle (minimum of 2″ deep) or Water in a tub

1. 
    

   From a piece of cardboard, measure and cut out a 4″ square. If you prefer, use our Paddle Boat template and diagrams to cut out the shape (see the link at the bottom of this article).

2. 
    

   Shape the paddle boat by cutting a point at one end and a 2″ square cut-out from the other end, as shown on our template.

3. 
    

   From the 2″ square that you just cut out, make a 1″ x 2″ paddle.

4. 
    

   Wrap a rubber band around the end of the paddle boat, and tape it to the paddle.

5. Twist the paddle toward you to wind the rubber band, then place the paddle boat in the water and watch it go!

Tips & Warnings

• For a longer lasting boat, use balsa wood instead of cardboard.
• Experiment by twisting the paddle away from you - which way does your paddle boat travel?
• Try building a larger paddle boat. Did it work as well or better than the 4″ model?
• Decorate your paddle boat using crayons or permenant markers. Come up with some wild designs!
• Have puddle paddle boat races with a friend! See who’s boat can travel the farthest; who’s is the fastest; the slowest; the one that travels in a straight line; etc.
• The Science: Newton’s Third Law of Motion states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. When the paddle pushes against the water, the boat moves forward - in the opposite direction of the paddle.
• When young children are playing in or near water, adult supervision is required.

Resources

• Paddle Boat Template and Diagrams
• eHow Spring Guide

[FrazzledNanny]

on 4/24/2009 Thanks for the great article. I've never had or heard of puddle paddle boats but they sound like fun. 5*