Model builder home
Materials & tools
Getting ready
Building, part 1
Building, part 2
Building, part 3
The math
There's Math Afloat in your Boat
Building a boat is a great way to learn more about math, particularly geometry.
  1. When you use your ruler, you have a chance to practice your fractions. In the beginning you measure back 4 11/16".

  2. You also created an Isosceles triangle when you put in the frame. In an Isosceles triangle both sides have the same length. The centerline of the triangle is also 90 degrees to its base. Can you find another Isosceles triangle in the boat below?




  3. If you found the second triangle, take a look at the base of that triangle and the base of the triangle we drew when we were preparing to put in the center frame. These two bases are what is know as parallel lines -- lines that run in the same direction, but never meet. Even if you extend parallel lines on into infiniti they will never intersect.

  4. That is just a start. Think of other ways you can use your boat to explore math. How much does it weigh? How long is it? You do the math.


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