Work with a partner to build a small voyaging canoe model.
MATERIALS
printed page of the sail diagram. To download and print, click here.
cardboard
construction paper, heavy paper or light cardboard
4 straws or 1/4” wooden dowels
glue or putty
tape
stapler
hole puncher
needle and thread
markers for decorating your sails
STEPS
Cut 2 or 3 pieces of 8” x 12” construction paper, heavy paper or light cardboard. Place them together and fold in half to 8” x 6”.
2. Fold over the edges (this will make the canoe hull strong).
3. Fold in half again. Fold and pinch ends together to form hull shapes and then tape along the end as below.
4. Repeat steps 1 through 3 to make a second hull.
5. Using the hold puncher, make three holds in one side of each hull. Cut straws or dowels into three 3” pieces and use them to connect the hulls.
6. Use tape or putty to hold the straws or dowels in position.
7. Cut a piece of cardboard for the canoe deck, about 5” x 5”. Make two holes for the masts. Place the deck on the hulls and tape it down.
8. Cut out the pattern on the printed page of the sail (small version below). Place the cut out sail over a piece of construction paper and cut out one sail. Use the same tracing to cut out a second sail. Fold the edge of each sail around a straw or dowel and staple it loosely, so that the sails can move on the mast. Place the masts onto the deck.
9.. Fold the edge of each sail around a straw or dowel and staple it loosely, so that the sails can move on the mast. Place the masts onto the deck. (Optional: Use needle and thread to attach a line to each sail. Connect the two lines with a knot so you can control both sails with one hand.)
10. Show your canoe to the class with your partner. If possible, take all the canoes out for a test sail on a pond or in a fountain!