The challenge in this area is to build a boat. Sound easy? Experiment with your design and find out what your boat needs to handle the waves in our water tank and stay afloat (buoyancy), or move from one end of the tank to the other (propulsion). There are three different water tanks; each features a different activity. Go ahead and get wet, that's part of the fun!

Paddle Boats
Design Challenge: Can you build the fastest paddleboat?
Design a rubber band-powered paddleboat. You can select the number and size of the paddle wheels and position the paddle wheel on the main boat hull. Wind it up and test your boat for its ability to cross a water tank
Try different wheel positions and sizes.... See if you can make it go faster by changing the number of rubber bands you use, changing the blade shapes, and experimenting with how much of the paddle extends into the water. Try winding the paddle in a different direction and watch what happens.

Sailboats
Design Challenge: Can you build the fastest sailboat?
One of the water tanks is equipped with a blower at one end. Combine one of the sails, masts, and keels to make your own sailboat then try to sail it the full length of the tank
Sail & keel shapes and positions are key!. Change the design of your boat or adjust the sails and test it again. Use your experience to find the most efficient design.

Speedboats
Design Challenge: Can you design the fastest boat for calm water?
Create a speedboat
Then race! by choosing from a variety of bow and stern designs and then test it for speed in the long, low water tank. See if you can make it go faster by changing different bow and stern shapes.

Cool Water Activities and Online Water Games

Visit other ENGINEER IT! areas!

Water Area Structures Area

Wind Area Exhibit Overview

ENGINEER IT! was made possible through a grant from the National Science Foundation and was created and designed by the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OSMI). This exhibit is locally sponsored by Yellowbook.