Curricular Highlight: STEM Cardboard Boat Regatta

The STEM Cardboard Boat Regatta is a high-energy, hands-on project that gives students an exciting introduction to the engineering design process. Students begin by identifying the challenge, brainstorming solutions within defined constraints, and planning and sketching their designs. Working in teams, they then construct full-size boats using cardboard, duct tape, and other recyclable materials, revising and improving their designs as they build.

The ultimate test comes when students race their boats across the pool. They quickly discover that engineering success requires more than a strong design alone; strategy, collaboration, and composure matter just as much! Seventh-grade science teacher Emily McDermott shares, “I can never predict the winner. Sometimes a two-person boat wins, and other times a group of five wins. I’ve even seen teams pull everything together in the final hour and still end up incredibly successful.” One of the most critical–and unexpected–lessons comes at launch time: “The real key is having a strategy for getting into the boat and doing it calmly. Even the best-built design can sink with one rushed jump!”

Beyond reinforcing scientific and engineering concepts, the regatta also serves as a joyful way to start off the first semester. “The STEM Cardboard Boat Regatta is such a fun way to kick off the year,” McDermott shares. “It gets students excited about engineering and science while helping build classroom and school community.”

This year’s winning team was The Sharkies, better known to us as Gianna Joseph ‘31 and Keira Scannell ‘31. The pair crossed the pool in the fastest time with their boat intact and afloat, meeting all race criteria. A fun connection: Keira’s brother, Caelum Scannell ‘29, also claimed victory in the regatta a few years ago!

Some of Mrs. McDermott’s favorite moments of the annual regatta unfold on the sidelines, where students’ growth and efforts are celebrated regardless of outcome. “Seeing students and families cheering for every boat, whether it’s gliding smoothly across the pool or slowly sinking, reminds us that it’s all about learning, teamwork, and celebrating each other.” 

From first sketches to final splashdowns, the STEM Cardboard Boat Regatta shows how hands-on learning at Sanford cultivates creative, scientific thinkers while celebrating the ingenuity of our seventh graders!