We have currently paused all of our individual experiments as we plan to have a cardboard boat race. As of right now we are going to be paired with the other student in our class that is in our grade. That would mean that my partner would be Logan. We are yet to decide on the final rules but most likely the 4 teams of 2 students will get into their cardboard boat which is constructed of nothing but cardboard and duct tape, then have to race a set length then after they cross the finish line, see how long their flotation devise will stay above water. Now it may sound like we are just going to be jumping in a cardboard box and hope it floats, but there is much more than just that. To get your boat to float it comes down to physics, the density of water vs the boat, and the buoyancy of the boat with the weight of its passengers. If a team masters that and can keep their boat above water then comes the aquadynamic which is how the boat moves through the water fast and smoothly but not taking way from stability. So lets say that a team has came up with the perfect boat design that is buoyant, fast and stable. Then comes the construction which only cardboard and duct tape can be used. They will have to figure out how they best way to construct the boat would be to where the seems of the boxes are strong and impermeable. All and all I believe that it will be a very challenging task but also a very fun project.
Here are some possible boat designs
Here are some possible boat designs