Fifth and sixth graders put their STEAM skills to the test while participating in The Hovercraft Project this fall. Students worked in groups to create hovercrafts using a piece of tarp, a leaf blower, and plywood.
Students tested their math skills to find the center of the tarp and create the largest possible circle, which would become the skirt of their hovercraft. Two students in each group were assigned to the “pit crew,” with the job of learning how to assemble the hovercraft once the skirt was cut. Once that was completed, students conducted experiments to see what happened when they turned on their hovercraft, how it felt, and what happened when people stood on it.
Following the first round of experiments, students learned how to drive their hovercrafts by testing different combinations of drivers and pushers. Students then measured how many steps it took to return the hovercraft to its original starting point.
“It was exciting to see students work together to solve problems and learn through experimentation,” said teacher Emma Gotham. “The students really enjoyed this project and have continued to talk about it since!”
This project offered students the opportunity to collaborate, think outside the box, apply their math skills, and explore cause-and-effect relationships through hands-on learning.