TYLER, Texas — Tyler ISD Career and Technology Center architect and engineering students have been using their knowledge in a fun and collaborative way by building cardboard boats.
"The first Cardboard Boat Regatta was launched six years ago as part of a lesson plan for Tyler ISD students," instructor Mike Baker said. "The end-of-year project focuses on math and science. It is part of the same curriculum as the MIT Freshman Engineering class. For fun, all classes at the CTC were invited to participate this year."
Four-member teams were challenged to build a boat out of cardboard and duct tape capable of holding at least one person (maximum of two) that can paddled across the water.
Other goals included how long a boat stays afloat, how much distance it covers in the water, and whether the boat makes it back and forth from the starting point.
According to the press release, creativity and school spirit were other categories judged as part of pre‐race activities. Teams could "show off" their work by creating a theme with originality, enthusiasm and showmanship.