Making a Styrofoam Boat

Straws make excellent masts for a Styrofoam boat.

Styrofoam is a good material for making toy boats because it floats easily. A boat making activity can be enjoyed by children of all ages; however, an adult should be present because cutting the Styrofoam boat base and the construction paper sail can be dangerous for small children. Kids will enjoy building and sailing their boats. Encourage a group of kids to each make their own boats and race them across their water-filled, plastic container lake. Water may splash during this activity, so it may be best to complete this craft outdoors.

Things You'll Need

• Styrofoam
• Scissors or knife
• Ruler
• Markers
• Drinking straw
• Colored construction paper
• Tape
• Large, deep, plastic container
• Water
• String
• Weight or rock
• Stopwatch

Instructions

1. Measure and mark a rectangle on the Styrofoam that measures 10 inches by 5 inches. Cut out the Styrofoam rectangle.

2. Shape one end of the Styrofoam into a triangle to form the bow of the boat. Use the knife or scissors to cut away the excess Styrofoam. Cut a small slit into the other point on the bow, about 1 inch away from the edge.

3. Poke a hole into the center of the Styrofoam with the blade of the knife or tip of the scissors. Place a drinking straw into the hole.

4. Cut a rectangle about 6 inches wide and 4 inches long from a piece of colored construction paper. Use tape to attach this construction paper sail to the drinking straw mast in the center of the boat.

5. Cut a length of string that is about 1 ½ times the length of the large, plastic container. Thread one end of the string into the notch cut into the bow of the boat. Tie in a knot. Attach the other end of the string to the rock or weight.

6. Fill the large container with water. Place the Styrofoam boat at one end of the large container. Stand at the other end holding the rock. Drop the rock or weight into the water and use a stopwatch to time how long it take the boat to sail across the water.

References

• Ball State University: Fastest Boat Activity
• Make Play Dough: A Puddle Boat
• Glendale School: Boat Building