Easy Paddle Boat Craft for Kids
This paddle boat craft for kids helps them learn more about potential and kinetic energy and how it relates to power a small boat. By using a rubber band, power a small paddle boat in the water while making observations and connections with these worksheets.
Materials Needed for this easy paddle boat craft for kids:
- 1 small plastic cup with lid
- 2 popsicle sticks
- 1 rubber band
- duct tape (or something like it that’s water-proof)
- Water (to fill bucket)
- small bucket (to test paddleboat)
- (Optional) low-temperature hot glue gun instead of tape
- Worksheets to write down observations
Some items are linked to my Amazon Affiliate account. When you purchase through my link, there is no added cost to you, but I receive a small commission in return.
Watch the video on how to make this easy paddle boat craft for kids:
Let’s slow it down with step-by-step directions on how to make this easy paddle boat craft for kids.
Step 1:
Print out these worksheets to write down your observations. Then, secure lid on container.
Step 2:
Tape/glue two popsicle sticks evenly on the side of the container.
Step 3:
[Ask a grown-up for help.] Break another popsicle stick in half.
Step 4:
Tape/glue half of the broken popsicle stick in between the two regular sticks on the container. This will help the two sticks stay straight when the paddle is going.
Step 5:
Loop the rubber band around the two ends of the regular popsicle sticks.
Step 6:
Place the other broken half of the popsicle stick inside of the rubber band.
Step 7:
While holding the rubber band in place, twist the popsicle stick up and around so it adds tension to the rubber band. Talk about the difference between kinetic and potential energy shown in the rubber band. Use these teaching slides and worksheets to help you.
Step 8:
With the paddle boat in the water, release the twisted popsicle stick and watch the boat move! Write down your observations and try these other tests here.
Want the templates seen here? You can grab them here in my TpT shop!
- A Low-prep STEM lesson & easy-to-find materials
- An engaging, hands-on activity that has guided directions
- Opportunities for students to add their creativity
- A quick, one-day STEM lesson for after-school clubs, homework extensions, station rotation (and more!)
Then this lesson is PERFECT FOR YOU!
This product includes:
- Easy project with simple materials
- Digital & Printable
- Written & video directions
- Content-specific vocabulary
- Science behind the project
- Resources to explore the topic more
- Experiment to test the design
Related Podcast Episodes/Blog Posts:
- Ep.134/ Welcome to STEM-usement Park: Force and Motion Projects for Makerspace
- Blog Post/ 10 Force and Motion Books for Kindergarten
- Ep. 159/ 3 End of Year Science Activities and STEM Challenges
- Paper Plate Roller Coaster Project
More About The Author, Naomi Meredith
Naomi Meredith is a K-5 STEM educator and business owner in Colorado supporting elementary teachers world-wide navigate the best practices, strategies and tools out there. With over a decade of experience teaching, 5 years teaching elementary STEM, along with a M.Ed. in STEM Leadership and STEM Certificate, Naomi helps teachers world-wide to navigate best practices, strategies and tools out there.
She offers a variety of tools to help teachers feel successful teaching STEM to their elementary students through lesson plans, online courses, coaching and speaking events.
She truly believes that any teacher out there can learn how to use STEM, innovation and hands-on learning in their classrooms effectively. She can’t wait to connect with you and be your guide!
Connect with Naomi Meredith:
- Check out more inspiration on her website: naomimeredith.com
- Connect with her on Instagram: @naomimeredith_
- Watch this episode on her YouTube Channel: Naomi Meredith
- Join the Facebook Group, The Elementary STEM Coach Community | Technology & STEM for K-6 Teachers