If we make a boat out of pool noodles, can we get it to float? Read on to learn more from teacher Taylor Blair on how to make this fun pool noodle engineering DIY activity.
Pool Noodle Engineering DIY Activity: What You Need
Today we’re going to design a boat out of pool noodles and see which design holds the most weight. Like most projects, it takes an engineering design process to discover the best design.
Supplies:
- Pool Noodle
- Cardboard
- Tooth picks
- Jar full of coins (or something with weight)
So, we have three different designs to try with just one pool noodle. Cut the pool noodle into two 6-inch pieces. Then you’re going to need some cardboard because these are going to be our platforms that we’re going to attach to our pool noodles. You can use a pick or toothpick to attach them. And for the weight, we have a big jar of coins. If you don’t have a jar of coins, you can use toys that have weight to them. For more on balance, check out Balanced & Unbalanced Forces
The Science Behind Pool Noodles
Why pool noodles? Well, pool noodles are filled with tiny air bubbles that allow them to be less dense than water causing them to float. Now when air pressure is pushed the top against the water, that’s called buoyancy.
So these pool noodles have really good buoyancy. We’re going to see how good their buoyancy is when we attach our platform and add some weight to it.
Now in order to have a good boat set, we’re going to need a couple things.
- It has to be able to float
- Stability
Pool Noodle Engineering Predictions
What do you think the designs will do?
Do you think it’ll have enough buoyancy to float?
Do you think the design will be stable?
You can try your experiment in a sink or bucket of water. As long as the pool noodles can fit in the space and the water is deeper than the boat, you should be good to go.
Boat one:
Technically, it floats. But it’s not very stable.
Boat two:
It’s stable and holding some coins, but is starting to tip.
Boat three:
Stable and holding more weight, because of a larger stance on the cardboard.
Pool Noodle Engineering DIY Activity: Takeaways
Pool noodles helped our boat float because they contain little air pockets, which creates buoyancy. But building a successful boat doesn’t just rely on buoyancy and being able to float, it relies on stability. And on top of that, we had to think about balance. So as engineers, we tested different ideas, we made observations, and we improved our design based on evidence.
We learned that sometimes adding more material helps. It could be as simple as just changing the design that really makes a difference. And that’s how engineers solve problems every day, by asking questions, testing solutions, improving designs, and learning from the results.
So, next time you see a boat, a bridge, or a playground, remember that engineering and science make that happen because science is everywhere.
For more on DIY activities, check out Fireworks in a Jar DIY Activity
GENERATION GENIUS
