[T4R] Let’s Build a Boat: L8 Testing the 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 test their rafts by placing mini figures on them and observing how well they float. They are then given a limited opportunity to adjust their designs using available materials before completing their project at home if desired.

Learning Intentions

• We are learning to test and improve our raft design.

Successful Criteria

• I can test if my raft floats with mini figures on it.
• I can describe what needs fixing.
• I can use available materials to improve my raft.

Curriculum Alignment

AC9TDE2P03 9.0 (Design and Technologies Year 1,Year 2): Evaluate the success of design ideas and solutions based on personal preferences and including sustainability

• reflecting on and recording a judgement about design ideas, for example describing how design ideas meet the needs of those who will use the solution using audio-recording or video-recording software
• sharing design strengths and weaknesses, for example explaining how the equipment in a playground might be unsuitable for some children to use and suggesting areas for design improvement
• reflecting on the environmental impacts of the production of a solution and considering alternative approaches that would minimise future negative impacts, for example identifying the negative environmental impacts of different food packaging and how these could be minimised
• reflecting on the environmental impacts of the production of a solution and considering alternative approaches that would minimise future negative impacts, for example identifying the negative environmental impacts of different food packaging and how these could be minimised

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

Student-made rafts
Container with water
Mini human figures
Additional materials for adjustments (sustainable use)
Towels for clean-up

Instructions

Warm-up

Remind students that some rafts will work better than others depending on the design.
Choose carefully what to improve.

Testing

No judging! Remind kids that learning involves trial and error, and that’s how we get better!
Students place 3-4 mini figures (e.g., human, animals) on their raft.
Observe whether the raft floats or sinks.
Discuss which part of the raft caused the issue (if any).

Adjusting

Allow students one opportunity to improve their raft using available materials.
Reinforce that thoughtful improvements matter more than using lots of materials.

Wrap-up

Talk about how testing helps improve our designs.
Let students know they’ll do their report in Lesson 11 and can continue adjusting their raft at home if they wish.

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