Last week, our students transformed into a team of marine engineers as they participated in the Penny Boat Challenge! Using only a 12-inch piece of aluminum foil, they designed boats with the goal of holding as many pennies as possible before sinking.
Students quickly discovered that success wasn’t just about creating the biggest boat. They had to carefully consider factors such as buoyancy, surface area, volume, and weight distribution. Throughout the challenge, they tested their ideas, observed what worked (and what didn’t), and learned that even small design changes could have a significant impact. Each boat was tested one penny at a time until it either took on water or sank. The excitement grew as students watched the leaderboard fill up and aimed to beat the current record.
Congratulations to our three winners, Ainose, Rohan, and Nitya, who each received reward cards for their outstanding engineering designs! Ainose’s winning boat astonishingly held 455 pennies before sinking!
This challenge provided students with a hands-on opportunity to practice the engineering design process while applying math and science concepts in a fun, engaging way. We loved seeing their creativity, perseverance, and problem-solving skills on display throughout the week. Great job to all our engineers! We can’t wait for our next STEM challenge!
Mathnasium of North Wilmington is a math-only learning center for K-12 students in Wilmington, DE. Trusted by over a million parents, Mathnasium uses personalized learning plans and the proprietary Mathnasium Method™ to help students catch up, keep up, and get ahead on their math journey.
Our specially trained tutors deliver face-to-face instruction in a supportive and fun small-group environment, working with students both in center and online to develop a deep understanding of math, build confidence, and improve academic performance.
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(302) 475-4444
(302) 475-4444
