Maritime activity 8: create a working paddle steamer, sailing boat or hovercraft

Children use Learn with Objects to explore the science and technology of how boats and ships move… from rowing boats, and sailing ships, to paddle steamers, hovercraft and hydrofoils - looking at historic examples from Folkestone and elsewhere in East Kent.

Pupils then take part in fun experiments to create and test their own working paddle steamer, sailing boat or hovercraft.

Learning objectives
Increased knowledge and understanding of different means of propulsion, and the history of sea travel.

Skills and confidence in planning and making a working sailing boat, paddle steamer or hovercraft design.

Curriculum links

KS1-2 Science (how things move, muscle and wind power, paddle wheels, propellers, steam and motor engines)

KS1-2 History (Local Area Study, history of transport).

KS1-2 Design Technology (design and built a working sailing boat, paddle steamer or hovercraft)

Children use the Learn with Objects Maritime and Seaside Holidays topics, other websites, and school reference books, to explore the science and technology of how boats and ships move… from rowing boats, and sailing ships, to paddle steamers, hovercraft and hydrofoils.

The following websites are useful:

KS1 Intro to boats and ships

https://www.hamilton-trust.org.uk/topics/key-stage-1-topics/oceans-and-seas/boats-and-ships/

Make a sailing boat

https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/make-a-sailboat-materials-and-forces-ks1-2-6307338

Build a paddle boat (STEM for Kids)

https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/342555115402641843/

https://www.bigdiyideas.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Science-for-Kids-Build-a-Paddle-Boat.png

Create a hovercraft

https://www.science-sparks.com/fun-sparks-hover-crafts/

Using one of the ideas, and materials suggested in the websites above, or using their own design, the children construct a mini working paddle steamer, sailing ship or hovercraft.

They improve and decorate the design, so it resembles a historic vessel, that that sailed from Folkestone (or nearby Dover or Ramsgate in the case of a hovercraft).

The completed vessels are tested in ‘sea trials’ in an inflatable paddling pool (or on a table in the case of the hovercraft) to see if they work, and to make adaptations to improve performance.

Children discuss in a plenary what worked well and why, what didn’t and what might be improved in future.

Learn with Objects links

See Learn with Objects Maritime 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8.