In STEAM class, RYNJ fourth graders were divided into groups and challenged with building a boat using the engineering design process and a set of guidelines. The boat had to hold at least 10 pennies without sinking and the groups had to stay within a $7 budget.

All the supplies were for “sale” one time only so the groups needed to plan their work carefully. Each team was able to stay within their budget by adding up the cost of their supplies after working together on its design.

At STEAM night this past week, each student was again challenged with designing and building a boat. But this time, their boat needed a sail in order to participate in a raingutter regatta.

The students observed their boat and made sure it could float loaded with weight.

Students then tested their boats at three stations. They observed how wind affected their boat, tested to see how heavy a load their boat could hold, and participated in regatta races using pumps to move their boats. Some were able to hold more than 200 pennies! Tons of fun was had by all!