Tin Foil Pop-Pop Boat
This is a fun project to make with your little kids during your stay-at-home time! It's simple to create, and uses a very simple form of propulsion, a flame! It can easily be built in forty minutes or so, and is so enjoyable to watch in the bathtub. Enjoy!
Supplies
- 6 Straws
- Scissors
- One cardboard cereal box
- A lot of Tin Foil
- Hot Glue
- Duct Tape
- Ruler
- Pen
- Candle
Making the Boat Form
Begin by cutting a piece of cardboard box that is 8.5 inches by 4 inches. Narrow the front to a point. (as shown in picture) Cut a narrow slit six inches from the point. Then cut two pieces 2.5 inches by 9.25 inches. These are the side rails. Lastly, cut a strip 2.5 inches by 4 inches. This is your end. Use duct tape to securely hold all of the pieces together.
Adding the Tin Foil
Liberally cover the boat in tin foil, to keep the cardboard form from getting soaked, and losing its shape. I also added a small cover piece to the front of my boat. This does two things. First, it adds to the boats overall shape. Secondly, it helps to counter balance the weight of the pieces you will be adding to the back.
Adding the Propelling Mechanism
Take three more straws, and cut their length to 6.5 inches. Use hot glue to secure them together, as shown in picture one. Cut a piece of cardboard that is 2.5 inches by 2 inches. Cover this piece very well in tin foil, as this will be the part being heated by the candle flame. Hot glue one of the straw ends to the tin foil square. Place duct tape over this to hold it securely in place. Withe the straws facing up, slide the straws throught the slot, you made in the bottom of the boat, in step one.Lossely duct tape these in place, with a hot glue seal, so that no water seeps in.
Propelling the Boat!
Place about six inches of water in you bathtub. Place a lighted tea candle beneath the tin foil flap in the boat. what will happen, is the flickering flame will push against the flap, making a pop-pop sound, and propelling the boat around the bathtub! I hope you enjoy!!