The Curriculum Through ICT Program

Clipper Race 2005-6
Educational Program

Investigate yacht design

Students conduct science investigations to help them to analyse boat designs. They investigate factors such as sails, hull length, ballast and explain their findings in energy terms. Communications with the crew aim to further their understandings.

Learning Task

Students use the Investigating process in Science to learn about factors in yacht design. Variables to be tested can include: hull length, hull shape, sail size, keel, ballast, and the effect of multiple hulls.

Having chosen a variable, students predict the effect of that variable on the speed of a boat through the water. They then plan how they will test the variable, explaining how the testing will be fair.

Model yachts need to be tested in a water tank such as a paddling pool. Wind can be provided by an electric fan. A more reliable source of power would be to attach the yacht to a falling weight that pulls it through the water with a constant force.

Students record their findings, including measurements of distance and/or time and journal notes. They discuss or present their findings in terms of the types of energy involved and the energy transformations occurring.