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(Full teacher resource documents are included in the PDF)
Lesson Focus
Lesson focuses on how canoes, which have been hand built for centuries, have been impacted by engineered materials and manufacturing processes over the years. Student teams design and build a model canoe frame and then cover their frame with everyday materials and test their design in a basin. Student model canoes must be able to float, travel a distance of 4 feet, and support a load. Students then evaluate the effectiveness of their canoes and those of other teams, and present their findings to the class.
Lesson Synopsis
The "Can You Canoe?" lesson explores how engineering has impacted the manufacturing of canoes over time, including the development of new, durable, and lighter materials. Students work in teams of "engineers" to design and build their own canoe models out of everyday items. They have a budget and must purchase materials from the classroom "store." They test their models on water where they must travel 4 feet carrying a load. Then students evaluate their results, and present their findings to the class.
Age Levels: 8-12
Objectives
- Learn about materials engineering.
- Learn about engineering design.
- Learn about planning and construction.
- Learn about teamwork and working in groups.
Anticipated Learner Outcomes
As a result of this activity, students should develop an understanding of:
- engineering and design
- problem solving
- teamwork
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Lesson ActivitiesStudents learn how canoes have been built over time, and how materials engineering has made canoes less expensive, more durable, and lighter. Students work in teams to design and build a canoe model out of everyday items, then test their canoe, evaluate their own results and those of other students, and present their findings to the class.
Resources/Materials- Teacher Resource Documents
- Student Worksheets
- Student Resource Sheets
Alignment to Curriculum FrameworksCurriculum alignment sheet is included in PDF.
CategoriesEngineering Design, Motion And Forces, Properties Of Materials
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