Micro Boat Challenge

Hands-on STEM engineering activity. Design and build a micro boat using a 3D pen and test how much weight it can hold before sinking. Activity for Kindergarten or 1st graders.

Students explore important science concepts including buoyancy, sinking and floating while practicing the engineering design process through testing and redesign.

This activity challenges students to think like engineers as they design structures, test their performance, analyze results, and improve their designs.

Students will:

• Design a micro boat structure

• Build their design using a 3D pen

• Test their boat by adding pennies as weight

• Reflect on their design and suggest improvements

This download includes:

• Student boat design template page

• Data collection and reflection journal page

• Student instruction video explaining the activity and vocabulary

• Editable Word lesson plan for easy teacher customization

Why Teachers Love This Activity

✔ Engaging hands-on STEM challenge
✔ Easy setup using 3D pens
✔ Encourages engineering thinking and redesign
✔ Supports NGSS engineering standards
✔ Includes student instruction video for independent work

Perfect For

• STEM labs
• Makerspaces
• Engineering units

• Forces and motion units
• Science centers
• Project-based learning

• Home school curriculum

Students love testing how much weight their tiny boats can hold, and teachers love the way this activity naturally leads to discussions about buoyancy, balance, and structural design