Learn

Now that you’ve learned about some sunken ships from the past-it’s time for you to make your own boat. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to sail in this boat, but you can place it in water and watch it float! You make this small boat using some common items located in your house. But make sure you ask an adult for some help before you begin.

• One empty 2-liter milk carton
• Three straight drinking straws
• String, fishing wire or thread
• Scotch tape
• Plastic Wrap
• Scissors
• Hole punch
• Paint or markers (if desired)
• Toys or any items that you want to place inside the boat (if desired)

1. Very carefully, cut the empty milk carton in half lengthwise and place it on its side with the inside of the carton facing up.
2. Using your hole punch, punch four holes in the corners of the empty carton. The holes should be punched about one inch from the top of each of the corners.
3. Next, take your three straws which will be used to create the mast. One straw will be the “main pole” in the middle that stands straight up and will be eventually tapped to the middle of the boat and the other two straws will be the “sail” straws. Take one of the “sail” straws and tape it horizontally to the “main straw” about 1 inch from the top of the “main straw” (this will look like the letter “t” when you’re done).
4. Then, take the other “sail” straw and tape it horizontally to the “main straw” about 2-3 inches from the bottom of the “main straw”.
5. Take a piece of plastic wrap and tape it in between the two “sail” straws. You have now created your mast.
6. Take your completed mast piece and tape it inside the empty milk carton so it is securely fastened to the bottom of your boat (it will not stand on its own until you complete the next step).
7. Take one piece of string, thread or wire and tie one end through one of the four holes you punched on the boat. Tie the other end of the string, thread or wire to the top of your mast piece. Repeat this process three more times on each hole of the boat until the mast piece in the middle is securely standing on its own.
8. If desired, paint or color your boat in any way you want. You can also place toys or any other items inside the boat (as long as they are not too heavy and cause the boat to sink). One idea is to tape an empty paper cup to the top of your mast as the “lookout” position. You can also design your own flag and tape it to your boat.

Your boat is now complete. Take it outside to a lake or place it any area with water. If you want your boat to sail, make sure the wind hits the plastic sail. Have fun and sail away!