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Sail AwayBookmark and Share
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(Full teacher resource documents are included in the PDF)

Lesson Focus
Lesson focuses on watercraft engineering and sailing. Students work in teams to design a sailboat out of everyday objects that can catch a breeze from a fan, stay afloat with a set load, and sail four feet.

Lesson Synopsis

The Sail Away lesson not only explores how engineers design watercraft, but also challenges student to work as teams of engineers to develop a watercraft that holds a set weight, captures wind from a fan for power, and can move four feet without sinking. Teams design their boats, build them, test them, evaluate the crafts of other teams, and present their project reflections to the class.

Age Levels:   8-18

Objectives
  • Learn about marine engineering and sailing principals.
  • Learn about engineering product planning and design.
  • Learn about meeting the needs of society.
  • Learn about teamwork and working in groups.

Anticipated Learner Outcomes

As a result of this activity, students should develop an understanding of:
  • watercraft engineering
  • problem solving
  • teamwork



Lesson Activities

Students explore what marine engineers and naval architects do, and work in teams to design a sailboat out of everyday objects that can catch a breeze from a fan, stay afloat with a set load, and sail four feet. Students work in teams of "engineers" to design a boat with a sail structure, test their boat, evaluate the work of other "engineering" teams, and present reflections to the class.

Resources/Materials

  • Teacher Resource Documents (attached)
  • Student Worksheets (attached)
  • Student Resource Sheets (attached)


Download an adaptable PowerPoint presentation for use with this lesson. (PPT, 2.09 MB)

Alignment to Curriculum Frameworks

Curriculum alignment sheet is included in PDF.

Categories

Engineering Design, Motion And Forces, Properties Of Materials

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