All STEM Activities

Make a Toy Sailboat

Active Time
20-30 minutes
Total Project Time
20-30 minutes
Key Concepts
Forces, weight, buoyancy, gravity, center of mass
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tSsKYdh9_7w

Introduction

It's time to set sail! Even if you live nowhere near a lake or ocean, you will get to do some sailing in this science activity as you build your own toy sailboat. But first, you have to make sure your boat doesn't capsize! Are you up for the challenge?

Credits

Ben Finio, PhD, Science Buddies
This activity is not appropriate for use as a science fair project. Good science fair projects have a stronger focus on controlling variables, taking accurate measurements, and analyzing data. To find a science fair project that is just right for you, browse our library of over 1,200 Science Fair Project Ideas or use the Topic Selection Wizard to get a personalized project recommendation.
Next: Materials

Materials

  • Wine corks (3)
  • Rubber bands (2)
  • Toothpick
  • Several screws or nails
  • Craft foam, wax paper, or paper milk carton to make a sail
  • Aluminum foil
  • Sink, bathtub, or a large container you can fill with water. The container should be deeper than the length of your nails/screws.
  • Tap water
    materials to make toy sailboat
Next: Instructions

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Active Time
20-30 minutes
Total Project Time
20-30 minutes
Key Concepts
Forces, weight, buoyancy, gravity, center of mass
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