Vikings Day / Floating Longship Challenge
Floating Longship Challenge
Children build Viking-style longships from foil and pop sticks, then test whether they float and how much cargo they can carry.
How to run it
- Show pictures of Viking longships and discuss their shape.
- Children build boats from foil and pop sticks, adding a paper sail.
- Test the boats in a tub of water.
- Add coins or marbles as cargo to see which design carries the most.
You will need
- aluminium foil
- pop sticks
- paper
- sticky tape
- tub of water
- coins or counters
Make it easier or harderYounger children can test floating only; older children can improve and retest their designs.
SafetySupervise water play closely and empty tubs after use.
My Time Our Place · Outcome 4Designing and testing boats introduces engineering thinking and simple history.
Fits these theme days
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