About This Activity
In this fun and hands-on class, students will dive into the basics of small wooden boat design—and learn what really makes a boat float, steer, and stay upright. We’ll explore different hull shapes, construction types, and how a boat’s purpose—like fishing, rowing, or hauling gear—affects its design. Through sketches, scale models, and creative brainstorming, students will get a chance to put their ideas into action. We'll also take a look at how boats in the Pacific Northwest have evolved over the last two centuries, from Coast Salish canoes to workboats and modern small craft. This unique regional influence offers lots of inspiration for students to come up with their own designs that reflect local waters, culture, and needs. By the end of the week, students will each create their own boat design and collaborate on a group concept that could become a future class build. Along the way, they’ll learn the basics of drafting, problem-solving, and how to think like a boatbuilder. Who knows—your design might be the next boat to hit the water! No experience necessary—just a willingness to learn and imagine.
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