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Missy's Rubber Band Boat

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by
Missy Maxwell
• Published on
PBS KIDS Utah

Hi Everyone! My name is Missy. I’m an artist and a guest blogger here at PBS KIDS Utah. We are in the thick of Summer, it’s hot! A great way to beat the heat is to get out on the water in a boat. Have you ever been on a boat? A speedboat? A cruise ship? A kayak? I thought it would be fun for us to make our own boats this week. 

Supplies

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• Cardboard box
• Rubber band
• Scissors
• Permanent marker
• Duct tape
• Tub (or pool) of water
 

Instructions

  1. Use your scissors to cut off one of the flaps of the cardboard box.
  2. Use the marker to draw a curvy ‘V’ shape, like the front of a boat, on one end of the flap.
  3. On the other end, draw a small box.
  4. Use your scissors to cut out the ‘V’ shape. Recycle those pieces.
  5. Use your scissors to cut out the small box. You are left with your boat shape. Keep the box too.
  6. Use your marker to draw a line at the top and side of the box.
  7. Use your scissors to cut along those lines, making the box smaller. This is your propeller.
  8. Cover your cardboard boat shape in duct tape. This will make it waterproof.
  9. Cover the propeller in cardboard too.
  10. Now wrap your rubber band around the end of the boat where you cut out the box.
  11. Place the propeller in that space, centered between the rubber band.
  12. Use duct tape to secure the rubber band to the propeller.
  13. Name your boat and use the marker to write it on top.
  14. Now wind up your propeller, twisting the rubber band.
  15. Set it in the tub (or pool) of water and watch it GO!

Wrap Up

Now you have your very own boat toy to play with! See how far it can go. Experiment with how many times is best to wind up the propeller. See if any of your toys can take a ride on the boat. Be creative and have fun!

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