Our talented team of Museum educators is committed to providing an engaging experience that brings SOL-related content to life for your students. We bring passion and energy to each program to ensure the highest level of impact and retention. To learn more about this program, click on one of the format options listed below.
Choose your experience:
Duration: 60 – 75 minutes
How and why do massive ships, tugboats, and sailboats all float? What happens if a boat’s sail is shaped one way or another? Students will tackle these questions and more as they explore How does that work? Buoyancy and Boat Racing at The Mariners’ Museum and Park.
During this session, students will review the basics of buoyancy and learn the differences between several boat hulls and sail types. Then, students will draw inspiration from the Museum’s collection and become maritime engineers as they design and iterate a sail for their assigned boat hull. Students compete against each other and the clock while learning about force and motion in this fun, hands-on experience!
Learning Objectives
Students will:
- Learn how boats float by defining buoyancy, density, and displacement.
- Differentiate between different hull and sail types and their functions.
- Practice teamwork and critical thinking skills by working in groups and following the engineering design cycle to create, test, and improve a sail design.
Science (VDOE 2018):
- Elementary: 5.1 (a-f); 5.2(a); 5.3(b,e); 5.7(a)
- Middle: PS.1 (a-d); PS.2 (c); PS.8 (b)
Math (VDOE 2023):
- Elementary: 5.MG.2 (c)
Next Generation Science Standards:
- Elementary: 3-5-ETS1-1, 2, 3; 5-PS1-1, 2, 3; 5-PS2-1
- Middle: MS-PS1-1; MS-PS2-2; MS-ETS1-1, 2, 3, 4
Pricing:
Payment can be made before the program, or we can invoice following your program.
- Programs at the Museum are $4.50 per student.
All adults accompanying a field trip are free. - Programs at your location are $4.50 per student.
- Virtual education programs are $125 per program.
Reservations are required for all programs and are booked on a first-come, first-served basis. Programs fill quickly in the fall and spring, so make your reservations a minimum of two weeks in advance.
Need some questions answered?
Our team is happy to answer any questions you may have, or recommend the best program for your class.
Call or email our Education team:
[email protected]
(757) 591-7745
