Grouping: Individual
Take-home: Paddle boat
Key ideas: Elastic potential energy, propulsion, drag, symmetry.
Start with: Wind a paddle wheel and show stored energy before release.
Success check: Time or measure travel across a fixed distance.
Try changing: Paddle size; number of winds; hull width; paddle depth.
Preparation: Build/test the paddle first. Preferred hull revision: try several wide straws joined at the tips or a simple 3D-printed hull so the boat floats reliably. Avoid depending on popsicle-stick + hot-glue joints in the wet area because those tended to fail.
Lesson flow: Day 1: Build waterproof hull + paddle → wind/test in tubs → fix flotation/alignment → compare paddle changes
Video:
Make the Fastest Rubber Band Paddle Boat
Safety and cleanup: Water tubs only; wipe spills; rubber bands stay attached; no deep water; dry reusable parts before storage.
https://www.sciencebuddies.org/stem-activities/rubber-band-paddle-boat
https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project-ideas/ApMech_p057/mechanical-engineering/rubber-band-paddle-boat