Family Build-A-Boat & Regatta Workshop

Last Saturday morning at Nauticus, our family tested our ability to build a boat using reusable material, and I was actually surprised by how well we did! Our boat did end up taking water, but it wasn't all the way under and RT finished the laps without getting fully soaked. We entered Nauticus at 9:00 and got started with a lesson on the progression of boat technology and materials. We then used clay to create different shape boats to test the buoyancy of each. From there, everyone was given tickets to "buy" our materials. The hardest part, and the part that caused some arguing, was designing the boat itself. Once we had our design, we were able to race the clock to create our boat. 

Each team had a rower whose job was to get in the boat and row for the time trials. All rowers had to wear a life jacket, and a Nauticus staff member was in the water with them, although the water was only about three feet deep. The cost of $15 for members and $30 for nonmembers also included general admission to the museum afterwards. 

The workshop was a great way to increase our stem education through the design process as well as forced us to work together as a family. Such a great way to get our kids away from screens and learning kinetically. This activity is one that they use in their summer camps, and RT says that now he is ready for camp! We did bring our toddler with us. He was able to participate in the marble activities, but I did take him out into the museum for a break while the boys designed the boat. Once we started actually building the boat, all was well and he even stripped his shirt off, thinking he would be getting in himself! Nauticus plans to do this event again, but it is limited to 25 participants, so register quickly! To be noticed of the dates, follow their Facebook or join the mailing list!