Discover Engineering in Central Texas

Materials:
Per team: six drinking straws, tape, scissors (optional), pennies, washers or nails as weights, a tub of water to float the raft in.

Procedure:
Set the stage: you are on a deserted island with only a few materials. Design and build a miniature raft using only the materials available. Distribute materials.

Allow time for students to design and construct their rafts. Have students float their rafts, then put on weights until the raft sinks. Keep a record of how much weight the raft holds.

Challenge students to redesign the raft using the some quantity of materials so the raft holds more weight.

Note:
Straws will need to be sealed in order for them to float!