Rubber-Band Paddle Boat
Rubber-Band Paddle Boat https://www.sciencebuddies.org/stem-activities/rubber-band-paddle-boat Days: 1 Mode: Individual Take-home: Paddle boat
Teaching & key ideas
Key concepts: Elastic potential energy, propulsion, drag, symmetry.
Hook: Wind a paddle wheel and show stored energy before release.
Test / evidence: Time or measure travel across a fixed distance.
Variables to change: Paddle size; number of winds; hull width; paddle depth.
Lesson flow
Lesson plan:
Day 1: Build waterproof hull + paddle → wind/test in tubs → fix flotation/alignment → compare paddle changes
Video:
Make the Fastest Rubber Band Paddle Boat
https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project-ideas/ApMech_p057/mechanical-engineering/rubber-band-paddle-boat
Safety / cleanup:
Water tubs only; wipe spills; rubber bands stay attached; no deep water; dry reusable parts before storage.