The GWCS Honors Physics class fielded two teams for this year’s Lake Accotink Cardboard Boat Regatta.  Both teams built excellent, sturdy boats that could have survived multiple races.  Building a full-size boat that can carry two or more passengers requires planning, problem-solving, and many hours of work.  The boats are built based on physics principles that we learn in class, but the design choices and craftsmanship are entirely the work of the student teams. 

In an initial in-class design workshop, the students used a simple computer model implemented in Microsoft Excel to try out different boat designs within the size constraints of the race rules and the buoyancy required for the planned crews.  Small paper models made from a single sheet of card stock then allowed students to visualize how their design could be constructed.  After that, all construction was completed outside of class.  

Congratulations to both teams:  Gabe, Ben, Luke, and Nick and their boat, the U.S.S. Are (red), and Jack, Conner, Edward and Lizzie and their boat, the Unombigiguous (purple).  Both teams took a “slow and steady” approach to their heat at Lake Accotink, coming in 2nd and 3rd in their heat. 

Thanks to all who came out and howled for both of our coyote teams. Good times!

GW Community School
Honors Physics Class
Lake Accotink
Cardboard Boat Regatta
Dr. Caroline Cox, Teacher
June 2, 2019