Description
Learn more about potential and kinetic energy and how it relates to power a small boat. By using a rubber band, power a small paddle boat in the water.
Whether you're a STEM specialist, a homeschool parent, or an elementary teacher looking to integrate more hands-on learning, this resource makes it easy to bring high-quality STEM experiences to your students, no matter your comfort level with science and engineering.
Who Is This For?
- Best suited for Grades 2–5, but adaptable for younger or older learners with support
- Estimated time to complete: 30–45 minutes
- Perfect for homeschoolers looking for meaningful, low-prep science projects that actually teach core concepts
- Great for classroom teachers who want to bring more STEM into their routines—no STEM degree required!
Why Teachers & Families Love This STEM Kit:
Many teachers and parents want to offer engaging STEM experiences, but they’re often faced with common roadblocks:
- Not knowing where to start
- A lack of time or confidence with science content
- Trouble finding the right materials
- Wanting deeper learning connections, not just crafts
This Paddle Boat STEM Challenge solves all those problems by providing ready-to-use materials, step-by-step instructions, engaging challenges, and connections to real-world STEM careers and concepts. It’s the perfect blend of creativity, exploration, and science learning.
What's Included in this Paddle Boat STEM Challenge:
- Written directions
- Video tutorial
- Bonus STEM challenges that connect to the main lesson
- "The Science Behind It" explanation
- STEM career connections
- Real-world transportation examples
- Curated resource links to explore the topic more
- Colorful teaching slides to guide the project using the Engineering Design Process
Plus, These Time-Saving Bonuses:
- Student vocabulary cards (kinetic energy, potential energy)
- Editable materials spreadsheet with direct purchase links
- Kit prep checklist to keep everything organized
- Black-and-white printables to save ink at home or school
Teaching Tip: This activity works great as a small group STEM station, a classroom-wide engineering challenge, or even as a take-home enrichment kit!
Materials You’ll Need to Create this Paddle Boat STEM Challenge (not included):
- 1 small plastic cup with lid
- 2 popsicle sticks
- 1 rubber band
- duct tape (or something like it that’s waterproof)
- Water (to fill bucket)
- small bucket (to test paddle boat)
- (Optional) low-temperature hot glue gun instead of tape
Some items are linked to my Amazon Affiliate account. When you purchase through my link, there is no added cost to you, but I receive a small commission in return.
Standards-Aligned Learning
Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS):
3rd Grade: 3-PS2-1, 3-PS2-2
Kindergarten, 1st & 2nd Grade: K-2-ETS1-1,2,3
3rd, 4th & 5th Grade: 3-5-ETS1-1,2,3
Common Core State Standards:
Kindergarten: RI.K.10
1st Grade: RI.1.5
2nd Grade: RI.2.5
3rd Grade: RI.3.5
4th Grade: RI.4.7
5th Grade: RI.5.7
Mathematical Practices
MP5- Use appropriate tools strategically
MP6- Look for and make use of structure
ISTE Standards for Students
Innovative Designer
Perfect for a Variety of Learning Environments:
- Homework extensions
- Fundraising kits (charge more and keep a portion for your classroom or school!)
- Remote or hybrid learning
- In-house “field trips”
- After-school clubs or summer camps
- Classroom birthday presents or rewards
- STEM enrichment and early finishers
Digital File Formats Included:
- PDF (non-editable, printable templates)
- Google Slides (shareable via Google Classroom)
- PowerPoint (compatible with Microsoft)
A portion of every purchase goes toward funding classroom technology to support equitable learning opportunities for students everywhere.
✨Want more easy STEM lessons like this one? Check out my growing collection in my bundle HERE
Connect with me for more inspiration!
Naomi Meredith
Navigating STEM & tech in the K-5 classroom.
Click here to be updated when new products are posted.
Instagram: @naomimeredith_
Host of The Elementary STEM Coach Podcast and STEM Career Quest Podcast
Questions? Send an email to: contactnaomimeredith@gmail.com
Paddle Boat STEM Challenge Using Simple Materials from Makerspace
Highlights
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Description
Learn more about potential and kinetic energy and how it relates to power a small boat. By using a rubber band, power a small paddle boat in the water.
Whether you're a STEM specialist, a homeschool parent, or an elementary teacher looking to integrate more hands-on learning, this resource makes it easy to bring high-quality STEM experiences to your students, no matter your comfort level with science and engineering.
Who Is This For?
- Best suited for Grades 2–5, but adaptable for younger or older learners with support
- Estimated time to complete: 30–45 minutes
- Perfect for homeschoolers looking for meaningful, low-prep science projects that actually teach core concepts
- Great for classroom teachers who want to bring more STEM into their routines—no STEM degree required!
Why Teachers & Families Love This STEM Kit:
Many teachers and parents want to offer engaging STEM experiences, but they’re often faced with common roadblocks:
- Not knowing where to start
- A lack of time or confidence with science content
- Trouble finding the right materials
- Wanting deeper learning connections, not just crafts
This Paddle Boat STEM Challenge solves all those problems by providing ready-to-use materials, step-by-step instructions, engaging challenges, and connections to real-world STEM careers and concepts. It’s the perfect blend of creativity, exploration, and science learning.
What's Included in this Paddle Boat STEM Challenge:
- Written directions
- Video tutorial
- Bonus STEM challenges that connect to the main lesson
- "The Science Behind It" explanation
- STEM career connections
- Real-world transportation examples
- Curated resource links to explore the topic more
- Colorful teaching slides to guide the project using the Engineering Design Process
Plus, These Time-Saving Bonuses:
- Student vocabulary cards (kinetic energy, potential energy)
- Editable materials spreadsheet with direct purchase links
- Kit prep checklist to keep everything organized
- Black-and-white printables to save ink at home or school
Teaching Tip: This activity works great as a small group STEM station, a classroom-wide engineering challenge, or even as a take-home enrichment kit!
Materials You’ll Need to Create this Paddle Boat STEM Challenge (not included):
- 1 small plastic cup with lid
- 2 popsicle sticks
- 1 rubber band
- duct tape (or something like it that’s waterproof)
- Water (to fill bucket)
- small bucket (to test paddle boat)
- (Optional) low-temperature hot glue gun instead of tape
Some items are linked to my Amazon Affiliate account. When you purchase through my link, there is no added cost to you, but I receive a small commission in return.
Standards-Aligned Learning
Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS):
3rd Grade: 3-PS2-1, 3-PS2-2
Kindergarten, 1st & 2nd Grade: K-2-ETS1-1,2,3
3rd, 4th & 5th Grade: 3-5-ETS1-1,2,3
Common Core State Standards:
Kindergarten: RI.K.10
1st Grade: RI.1.5
2nd Grade: RI.2.5
3rd Grade: RI.3.5
4th Grade: RI.4.7
5th Grade: RI.5.7
Mathematical Practices
MP5- Use appropriate tools strategically
MP6- Look for and make use of structure
ISTE Standards for Students
Innovative Designer
Perfect for a Variety of Learning Environments:
- Homework extensions
- Fundraising kits (charge more and keep a portion for your classroom or school!)
- Remote or hybrid learning
- In-house “field trips”
- After-school clubs or summer camps
- Classroom birthday presents or rewards
- STEM enrichment and early finishers
Digital File Formats Included:
- PDF (non-editable, printable templates)
- Google Slides (shareable via Google Classroom)
- PowerPoint (compatible with Microsoft)
A portion of every purchase goes toward funding classroom technology to support equitable learning opportunities for students everywhere.
✨Want more easy STEM lessons like this one? Check out my growing collection in my bundle HERE
Connect with me for more inspiration!
Naomi Meredith
Navigating STEM & tech in the K-5 classroom.
Click here to be updated when new products are posted.
Instagram: @naomimeredith_
Host of The Elementary STEM Coach Podcast and STEM Career Quest Podcast
Questions? Send an email to: contactnaomimeredith@gmail.com
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