Penny Boat Challenge
This activity challenged students to create boats out of aluminum foil that could hold the most pennies possible. Students had to determine what the best surface area of the boat would be in order for the boat to hold the most pennies. Students were not able to use any outside materials while doing this activity. One student was able to hold 65 pennies before his boat sank. This activity was fun and challenging for students and they enjoyed participating. Students were asked to make predictions about their boat and then asked to explain any changes they would have made to make their boat stronger.
You can find the activity worksheet here: /uploads/2/5/9/6/25961873/coordinatingfinal.docx
You can find the activity PowerPoint here: /uploads/2/5/9/6/25961873/coordinatingfinal.pptx
You can find the activity worksheet here: /uploads/2/5/9/6/25961873/coordinatingfinal.docx
You can find the activity PowerPoint here: /uploads/2/5/9/6/25961873/coordinatingfinal.pptx
Reflection: I enjoyed doing this project with students because it gave them freedom to try their own ideas. Some students created longer boats that took up more of the water container while others folded their boats so it would have more support. There are many different ways to make a strong aluminum foil boat and it was fun to see such intelligent students try to perform this task. I think the students also enjoyed this activity because it was very hands-on, something that is so important in learning today. I feel like it is a good idea to do these type of activities every now and then with your class because it branches them out from the norm of learning to a fun, more social experience. Students can interact with classmates and learn from their peers when doing an activity like this.