This easy sailboat craft is the perfect activity for preschoolers learning about the science of air currents, wind and water.
Most young children love water play and this small scale boat activity is excellent for indoor water play. As part of a science lesson, preschoolers will make the boats, fill the "lake," and create wind currents to move their sailboats across the water.
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Materials
Wood skewers, pointy ends removed, about 6 inches long
Paper, cut into approximately 3x4 inch rectangles.
Deep baking tray
Drinking straws
Instructions
After reading a few preschool picture books about wind and sailboats (see suggestions at end of post), it's time to make the sailboats.
Push the skewer through the paper rectangle so that it enters the paper about half an inch from the top and exits half an inch from the bottom. Adjust the paper so that it is slightly pushed outward to make the sail shape.
If needed, an adult can facilitate the insertion of the skewer by pre-making small holes in the paper sail.
Push the skewer into the foam shape so that it just goes through, but does not extend out the other side.
Fill the baking tray with water.
Float the sailboat on the water.
Blow through the straw directing the "wind" towards the concave side of the sail to move the sailboat around the water!
For extra fun, kids will enjoy making ripples on the surface of the water by blowing directly at the water.
Picture Books about Wind and Sailboats
Use these delightful preschool books about wind and sailboats to accompany the homemade sailboat activity.
I Am the Wind by Michael Karg, illustrated by Sophie Diao
Like a Windy Day by Frank Asch, illustrated by Devin Asch
The Wind Blew by Pat Hutchins
Lily Leads the Way by Margi Preus, illustrated by Matt Myers
Sheep on a Ship by Nancy Shaw
Three Bears in a Boat by David Soman
MORE PRESCHOOL WATER SCIENCE IDEAS:
First published 2008, updated 2023.
Stephanie says
I will file this one away... sounds like it just might be a successful activity around here.
Melissa says
Looks like fun! I used to let O play with water like this inside. Then one day she poured the whole thing on the floor and it quickly traveled to the lowest place in the floor (behind the refrigerator) and leaked through the ceiling. So now we have a water spot on our ceiling. Grrr. But maybe we'll try this using a little less water 🙂
RE says
Yay I'm filing it away too. Mine is just turning 1 and I get like 20 min out of giving him a ripe peach 😀
steuern und versicherung berechnen says
Wonderful post!!! I love how you combine food and history, filling both my tummy and my mind. Great Combo!!! We have an organic butcher across the street from where I live and they make all their own sausages. I’ll have to ask them if they clean the bowels or buy them cleaned. I suspect they will be surprised by my questions or many not??? I also love the photos!!!