The Smoky Hill cardboard Boat Regatta is the official name of the challenge, and the objective is to build a cardboard boat in groups no bigger than four that can hold at least one team member, and travel from one end of the pool to the other side in the shortest time period.

The challenge is a total of eighty points in the grade book, being graded on completion of boat present on race day that meets regulations, race day measurements paper, technical drawings, and technical questions and design evaluation.

By Tuesday, May, 10  physics students have built a cardboard boat for their final project in Mr. Paricio’s physics class.

According to Mr. Paricio’s criteria sheet, “The purpose is for the students to demonstrate their knowledge of Archimedes’ principle and basic mechanics as well as, to effectively work in a group and use skills of problem- solving, communication, consensus, listening and decision-making.”

Students are limited on materials, their boats is to be built with ONLY natural brown corrugated cardboard, duct tape, and heavy trash bags. Sealants and glues on the cardboard are not allowed.

“My favorite part is the enthusiasm and excitement that the students tackle.” Mr. Paricio said.

Stacking and layering with cardboard is exceptable. The only writing that can be on the boat is using the duct tape.

The race itself has set rules as well. The race travel length consists of the SHHS swimming pool. The passenger(s) must remain on the boat at all times, physical contact between the body and the water is prohibited.

“The hardest part about getting it was attempting to get INTO the boat. Everything else went really well. And the hardest part about making it was trying to reinforce the sides so they wouldn’t collapse when we put it in waters near ” junior Amanda Lather said.