The CHS Great Cardboard Boat Race
Coconino High School recently held the annual Great Cardboard Boat Race where students were challenged to create a boat entirely out of cardboard and duct tape (applied only to the seams) that can hold the weight of two people, and paddle it across a real pool. The Coconino Institute of Technology’s sophomore class and AP Physics 2 class competed, with almost 90 students paddling over 50 boats.
Boats were graded based on hydrodynamics, craftsmanship, and the parameter that each boat could not be more than 25 pounds. For full credit on the performance, boats had to complete at least one length of the pool (25 m) and support the weight of two people. Students also calculated the waterline (where the water will rise to when the people get in) by applying principles of fluids such as Archimedes Principle.
Boats that completed three full laps became eligible for the top award. The Black Pearl Award for best overall boat is determined by the time to complete 50 meters, the weight of students supported by the boat, and the weight ratio compared to the lightest boat…in other words, the best boats are fast, light, and strong!
Award and Description Students Class
Black Pearl Award
Best overall, based on weight of boat, time for 50 m, weight held before sinking
- Bryan G AP Physics 2
- Aidan S & Riley S CIT II
Golden Oars Award
Fastest time over 50 m
- Bryan G (49 seconds) AP Physics 2
Ferry Award
Most weight held before sinking after 150 m
- Xavier J (1405 lbs) AP Physics 2
Featherweight Award
Lightest boat to complete 6 laps (150 m)
- Jeshua S (10 lbs_ AP Physics 2
Biggest Fan Award
Team spirit, attire, boat theme
- Best Titanic
Most dramatic or entertaining boat sinking
- Harry R & Garrett B Dressed as secret service agent and Mr. President; agent saved President as boat began to sink AP Physics 2
Mason Lengyel Award (Most Creative)
Boat design that is most outside of the box
- Jeshua S Pacific Northwest Canoe AP Physics 2 Lucas B Cardboard Cataraft CIT II