Boat Race Science

The study of science can lead to many opportunities to marvel at God’s spectacular creation. Children are curious and often ask difficult questions about God and faith, I’ve often been left bewildered as to how best to provide concrete answers in a manner that young children can understand. References to God’s spirit tend to spark such questions. Science can lead to explanations for the unseen.

The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.

—John 3:8

Wind Force

The wind is a powerful, yet unseen force. It can be confusing for young minds to understand. In an interesting encounter, Nicodemus, a member of the Jewish ruling council, had questions and came to visit Jesus in secret. Jesus told him something shocking, “No one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again” (John 3:5). Nicodemus was confused. In explaining his statement, Jesus compared the Spirt to the wind. It is interesting that the Greek word for Spirit is the same as that for wind.

Wind is made of molecules of air. You can show this to your children by trapping air inside a plastic grocery bag. To do this, pull an open bag quickly through the air. Then, twist the ends closed, trapping the air inside. This demonstrates that air is everywhere, even if we can’t see it.

Air molecules have mass or weight. You can demonstrate this by taping two balloons to a hanger. Hook the hanger over a pencil with the two deflated balloons balanced. Why is the hanger balanced? Because the balloons have the same weight. Fill one of the balloons with air, tie it off, and attach it in the same place. The hanger will tilt, with the inflated balloon hanging lower than the other balloon. Why? The balloon with more air is heavier.

One of the most popular activities in my science class was our boat races. Your own children (or grandchildren) will experience great fun and learning with this activity, which can be done at home.

Preparation

• Boats: Wood shims, from a hardware store, cut in half, work well.
• Masts: Cut straws to three-quarters their length. If using bendable straws, cut beneath the bendable part. Use a lump of clay for holding the mast in place on the boat. (Gorilla tape may also be used.)
• Waterway: I have had the most success using a section of gutter filled about three-quarters full with water. (I usually put two of these side-by-side to allow two boats to race at one time. One can be used through, with a stop watch to determine which boat reaches the finish line first.)
• Sails: Cut out paper sails and use a hole-punch to cut two holes, one on top and the other on the bottom. Thread the straw through the two holes in the sail.
• Wind sources: Try experimenting with different wind sources… lung power (allow the children to blow through straws to move the boats along), hand-held air pumps, and fans.

Ready, set, sail!

Try these variations: Pump air on the right side of the sail to move the boat to the left. Pump air on the left side to move the boat to the right. Make a prediction of what will happen if you place a small weight on the boat. How might this change things?

Afterwards, discuss the conclusions based on the evidence. Wind is moving air. Air has matter, even though we can’t see it. Air molecules can apply a push when they collide with an object like a sail. This push is called force. The object’s movement and speed are affected by the direction and strength of a force. The mass (weight) of the object affects its movement and speed.

Wind is a powerful force, but we cannot see it. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. Lessons in science can help your children gain greater understanding of the mighty power and constant presence of our savior. Conversations about school, friends, and lesson in school are great springboards for spiritual insights. Take advantage of them!

Copyright © 2023 Chuck Locklear

Also, see Science Can Be Fun.