Cardboard Boat Races

Alabama Daphne Dozen’s of middle school students tried their hand at mastering the sea. The real test was the seaworthiness of their vessels in the Daphne Middle School Cardboard Boat Race.

by Bill Riales

Published: Mon, May 12, 2008 - 5:45 am CST Last Updated: Thu, July 31, 2008 - 12:48 am CST

There are only three ingredients for this project—stacks of cardboard, rolls and rolls of duct tape—and a lot of hope.

"There are thirty six boats," said Daphne Middle School's, Anita Root.

6th, 7th and 8th grade humanity students at Daphne Middle were formed into teams. They spent several weeks constructing their boats.

"Actually there are cardboard boat races all over the world," said Root.

Parents and fellow students cheered them on as three heats of cardboard vessels took to Mobile Bay at the Fairhope Pier. From simple canoe like designs, to modern marvels of aquatic engineering that might have looked better on paper.

Some challenged Neptune to experience the sweet thrill of victory. Others suffered the agony of the deep. Yet even they are winners—along with 1st 2nd and
3rd place, the Titanic award is given to the fastest sinker.

And the first place crew actually broke a world record—at least a Daphne world record.

"The fastest time used to be 4 minutes and 23 seconds—right now the fastest boat for this race is 3 minutes and 29 seconds," said Root.

"Our boat is over there, its called ‘the boat’ number ten," said one student.

"We’re Jaws—Ja ja jaws," said his teammate.

Others were just lucky enough to ‘place’ back at the beach.

Bill: "Alright, Trina—this was your boat what was it called?"

Trina: "SS Stranded."

Bill: "And what happened to it?"

Trina: "It died."

Bill: "Well as you can see a lot of these kids were left with boats that were intact. Some were left with a big pile of cardboard and tape. What are you going to do with it?

Trina: "I don’t know. I think we’ll send it to the junkyard."

Bill: "The junkyard. That’s great."

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SassyBelle Says:

Mon, May 12, 2008 at 5:27 pm

It was a most wonderful day for these middle school kids who met the challenge of learning how to solve problems that arise when you work with a team. However, your report neglected to mention that most of the organization and work behind the scenes was done by the other Daphne Middle School Humanities teacher, Vicki Pendley. We are saddened that you have not mentioned her at all, either in the televised version or in the on-line report, as she played a major role. Ergo, we would appreciate it if you would correct your on-line story (we realize it is too late for the televised version) accordingly. Thank you…

justme Says:

Mon, May 12, 2008 at 3:21 pm

CONGRATS to all the student’s for ourstanding response to the challange and having fun with your boats and friends.
CONGRATS to the Teacher’s for making education FUN, to the adminstration for backing and allowing the program to be run for the kids moral, and to the volunteer’s who participated to make sure everyone had help and fun.