Combine the joy and excitement of mechanical toys with your science project by building an air-propelled motor boat. This is also a great opportunity to learn about simple electric circuits. Your boat will include a battery, a switch, and a motor with a propeller. You can use this as a science project focusing on electricity, force, or flotation. This idea is suitable for a display project, an engineering project, or an experimental (investigatory) project.
The primary framework for this project is made using Styrofoam board available at hardware stores and home improvement stores. The necessary materials for this project consist of a Simple Switch, Electric Motor, Battery Holder, Propeller, wire, Styrofoam cup, and Popsicle stick. To initiate the project, begin by cutting the foam. Utility knives can be employed to effortlessly cut the Styrofoam. It might require some practice to feel at ease with cutting the foam. While cutting, hold the knife at a steep angle and refrain from applying excessive pressure.
If you want a clean cut, you may need to go over the same line multiple times. Styrofoam boards can be adhered using white or wood glue. Furthermore, latex or water-based paint can be applied to these boards. The picture shows a boat with a custom-made rudder that helps control the speed boat’s direction. We used a Popsicle stick to make the rudder for our speed boat. Nevertheless, you can try different methods to build a rudder for your own boat.
We enhanced the wind’s force by attaching Styrofoam cups and a propeller to the back of our boat, secured with acetate. Feel free to customize your own boat design. Just remember to allocate space for the electric motor and fasten it using tape. To ensure balance on water, position the battery at the center as it is quite heavy. If needed, you can add additional weighty items onboard for further adjustments.
