This term at KIN Homeschool, we’ve been on an epic voyage – not on a ship, but on rafts! What started as a seemingly simple concept turned into a fantastic exploration of STEM and teamwork. Each week this term we worked to deepen our understanding of rafts with the goal of going on a voyage to the iconic blue boatshed.
Our journey began by learning the essential knots that would hold our creations together. We weren’t just tying any old knot; these knots had to be secure enough to withstand the open water! While Spaghetti knots were the easiest to tie, we quickly discovered that these knots didn’t hold up in the water as our rafts would fall apart and pipes and pool noodles would go everywhere. After further exploration we concluded that the square lashing knot was a lot stronger in holding our rafts together.
.jpg)
.jpg)
Next, we dived into the science of buoyancy. How many pool noodles or pipes would we need to keep our rafts afloat? We experimented with different configurations, discovering firsthand how much weight a single raft could handle. Did one person require the same amount of floatation as two? Through trial and error, we unravelled the secrets of buoyancy. We learned that physics plays a big role on the water – the more weight, the deeper our rafts sank!
But a raft isn’t just a floating platform; it needs a way to move! Over several weeks we explored various propulsion methods, crafting paddles from sturdy branches and wide pieces of wood. We learned about leverage and the best way to dig the paddle into the water to propel ourselves forward. But who wants to be stuck paddling the whole time? We also got creative with sails, using fabric scraps and sticks to harness the power of the wind. And the method, which was determined to be the best method, having someone push the raft along the water.
.jpg)
.jpg)
The week before our grand voyage wasn’t spent solely on raft-building. To ensure a smooth journey, we embarked on a reconnaissance mission, walking the beach route and identifying any potential obstacles that might impede our progress. Were there any rocky outcrops we needed to avoid? Did the tide look high enough for easy paddling? We meticulously planned our course, channelling our inner explorers.
.jpg)
.jpg)
Finally, the moment of truth arrived – our end-of-term adventure! The wind was quite strong that day but armed with our knowledge, our trusty rafts, and a healthy dose of excitement, we set sail (well, more like pushed our rafts) along the shoreline, navigating our way to the iconic blue boatshed.
This raft-building adventure wasn’t just about splashing around and having fun (although there was plenty of that too!). It was about learning valuable skills, working together as a team, and putting our knowledge of science and engineering to the test. From perfecting our knots to strategising the best paddling techniques, we collaborated and problem-solved our way to a successful voyage.
And the best part? The sense of accomplishment we felt as we reached the blue boatshed, our homemade rafts bobbing gently in the waves. It was a culmination of weeks of hard work, creativity, and teamwork, a testament to what we could achieve when we set our minds to it.
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
As a perfect wrap up for the term in our final week we met a tour operator of a Hovercraft that had beached his craft to set everything up. He gave us a tour and we watched this unusual craft take off from the beach. A perfect end to the term that we couldn’t have planned if we tried!
So next time you see a group of kids tinkering away with wood and rope, don’t dismiss it as child’s play. It might just be the start of an epic adventure, a testament to the power of learning through play and exploration. Stay tuned for more exciting adventures from KIN Homeschool in term 3 when we explore fire!
