Cardboard Boat Races

Font Size By Bill Riales Anchor
.

M30o93H7pQ09L8X1t49cHY01Z5j4TT91fGfr Cardboard Boat Races
Published: Mon, May 12, 2008 - 6:45 am
Last Updated: Mon, May 12, 2008 - 7:26 am
Bill Riales
Bill Riales
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."



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…

Posted by SassyBelle on 05/12/08 - 6:27 pm • Report Abuse   

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.

Posted by justme on 05/12/08 - 4:21 pm • Report Abuse   


Recent Commented on News Reports

Refusing To Evacuate In The…

19 Total Comments
Refusing To Evacuate In The Event Of A Hurricane Nearly one-fourth of people in areas affected by Hurricane Katrina say they would refuse to evacuate for a storm if told to. more »

Deadly Construction Accident…

8 Total Comments
Deadly Construction Accident At Elementary School One man is dead after a construction accident at Robertsdale Elementary. more »

Woman Hit By Car in Theodore…

26 Total Comments
Woman Hit By Car in Theodore Update - Troopers release victim's name. Fatal accident happened Sunday night on Highway 90. more »

Student Drug Testing Changes…

8 Total Comments
Student Drug Testing Changes Mobile County School Board plans to vote on changes to drug testing programs. more »

Insurance Crisis Creeps North…

1 Total Comments
Insurance Crisis Creeps North Rising rates and skyrocketing premiums are beginning to effect homeowners further north. more »

Man Who Killed Deputy Committed…

2 Total Comments
Man Who Killed Deputy Committed Suicide The preliminary autopsy report indicates the man who shot and killed Okaloosa County Deputy Tony Forgione died from a self-inflicted shotgun wound to the head. more »

WKRG.com © 2008 Media General Communications Holdings, LLC. A Media General company.
Terms & ConditionsContact InformationEmploymentInternshipsOpen RatingsAdvertise With Us
FFC-EEO Report Children's Programming FCC Form 388 Public File



Advertisement