Have you ever wondered how massive ships and tiny sailboats – like our uncrewed miniboats – manage to stay afloat on water? The secret lies in a combination of science and design—and it’s all about buoyancy.
At its core, buoyancy is the upward force that water exerts on an object. When a boat is placed in water, it pushes some water out of the way (this is called displacement). If the weight of the water displaced is greater than the weight of the boat, voilà—the boat floats!
But it’s not just about weight. The shape of the boat plays a huge role, too. Boats are designed with wide, curved hulls to spread their weight over a large area, helping them displace more water. This design not only keeps them from sinking but also provides stability, reducing the risk of tipping over.
The next time you’re on a boat or maybe,… designing your own upcycled boat for our 2025 Recycle Regatta challenge, remember—there’s some serious science at work, making it all look so effortless!
That’s right! Our 6th Annual Recycle Regatta is back and there is still plenty of time to dive into this fun and impactful activity. Classrooms, boating centers, and community organizations are invited to host their “Regatta” and submit their students’ entries!
Last day to enter is APRIL 30TH, 2025, so start designing today and join us in discovering science, one boat at a time!
Learn more: https://educationalpassages.org/recycle-regatta/
Have more questions about boats, science, or just curious about the world around you? Send us a message or subscribe to our newsletter to stay connected and informed.
The Annual Recycle Regatta is hosted by: New England Science & Sailing (NESS), Educational Passages, and the North American Marine Environment Protection Association (NAMEPA)
