[T4R] Let’s Build a Boat: L7 Making a Raft

The Book

Let’s Build A Boat

Written by Jane Godwin, illustrated by Meg Rennie, published by Little Hare Books

This inspiring picture book celebrates teamwork, creativity, and determination. As a group of children come together to build a boat for their picnic on an island, the story naturally lends itself to discussions about the purpose of a boat in general and context of the text (AC9TDE2K01 – Years 1 and 2, Design and Technologies). The story also highlights the importance of preparation before they begin (AC9TDE2P01 – Years 1 and 2, Design and Technologies), innovation and problem-solving when they face the challenge at sea (AC9TDE2P03 – Years 1 and 2, Design and Technologies).

Throughout their journey, they experience challenges and moments of joy, allowing students to reflect on how they manage emotions in different situations (AC9HP2P03 – Years 1 and 2, Health and Physical Education). The story also supports children in understanding how teamwork, resilience, and problem-solving help them to achieve shared goals (AC9HP2P01 – Years 1 and 2, Health and Physical Education).

Let’s Build a Boat is a perfect launchpad for hands-on STEM or creative projects, as well as social-emotional learning discussions around collaboration, effort, and celebrating differences.

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Resource creator

Steven Huynh

Subject

Design and Technologies (),

Level

Year 1, Year 2,

Description

In this lesson, students begin building their rafts based on their procedure plans, using limited materials and guided safety expectations. This lesson focuses on using a planned design and learning through making.

Learning Intentions

• We are learning to make a raft.

Successful Criteria

• I can follow the steps to build a raft.
• I can work safely and use materials properly.
• I can choose a model that is likely to work well.

Curriculum Alignment

AC9TDE2P02 9.0 (Design and Technologies Year 1,Year 2): Use materials, components, tools, equipment and techniques to safely make designed solutions

• exploring how available materials can be used or re-used in construction play, for example using used wrapping paper and gift cards to design and make decorations or signage for the classroom or a school event to minimise waste
• practising a range of technical skills using tools and equipment safely, for example joining techniques when making products, watering and mulching gardens, preparing a recipe using a knife safely
• practising a range of technical skills using tools and equipment safely, for example joining techniques when making products, watering and mulching gardens, preparing a recipe using a knife safely

AC9TDE2P04 9.0 (Design and Technologies Year 1,Year 2): Sequence steps for making designed solutions cooperatively

• using lists or storyboarding when planning and making, for example when creating an electronic planting calendar
• recording the procedure for making a product, for example the ordered steps for making a salad, instructions for making a container or bag
• identifying roles for each member of a group when working cooperatively, for example when making a number of items for a school fete

Materials

Students’ own or sample procedure
Raft-building materials (e.g., paddle pop sticks, rubber bands, tape, paper straws)
Demonstration PowerPoint
Visual prompts or labelled materials table
Safety glasses or supervision reminder if needed

Instructions

1. Safety and Expectations

Briefly go over safety expectations before students begin building.
Emphasise working carefully with materials, using scissors or other tools appropriately, and keeping the workspace tidy.

2. Demonstration

Use the demonstration PowerPoint or a quick teacher-made sample to model how students could start building their raft.
Explain that students should use either their own procedure or the sample procedure to guide them.

3. Design Check-In

Remind students of their selected raft design or planned model.
Show 2–3 sample rafts again and remind them that some models might work better than others, so choose carefully.
Ask them to explain to a partner which model they are building and why.

4. Raft Building

Students begin building their raft using the available materials.
Remind them this is a process of trial and learning—not everything needs to be perfect.
Don’t forget to ask for help just like the friends in the story.

5. Clean Up and Store

Once the rafts are built or in progress, ask students to safely store their creations in a labelled tray or shelf.
Ensure work areas are clean and any shared materials are returned properly.

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