I get a lot of press releases from the school district. For various reasons, I don’t always use them for my blog, but this most recent one that came across my email just made me giggle, in large part because of the photos which accompanied it.
Earlier this week, Webster Schroeder High School students put their physics and calculus knowledge to the test in a unique, fun and entertaining challenge: building and racing boats made entirely of cardboard.
Teams of two to four students spent a week designing and constructing their vessels, aiming to create a boat sturdy enough to carry at least one person across the width of the pool.
On Tuesday June 3, four innovative cardboard creations hit the water at the Webster Aquatics Center, each vying for the fastest time. While one boat quickly succumbed to the water, sinking before leaving the edge, the remaining three showcased impressive engineering. One canoe-shaped vessel successfully transported its Warrior captain across the pool and back. Another, designed like a stand-up paddleboard with internal reinforcements, saw its sailor swiftly glide across the water using homemade cardboard hand fins. The fourth boat, resembling a small outrigger canoe, also demonstrated remarkable speed.
Ultimately, the stand-up paddleboard-style boat, with its innovative hand-fin propulsion, was declared the winner for its impressive speed at 20.24 seconds. Second place was the outrigger canoe with two rowers at 29.02, and the canoe took third with a time of 39.85.
After the official contest, other classmates eagerly took the opportunity to try out the cardboard crafts, though one boat eventually sank under the weight of two occupants. It must have been so much fun to watch.
What a terrific way to have students apply their classroom learning to a real-life problem, and have a lot of fun doing it.
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(posted 6/6/2025)
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I’d like to try this too! It would be great for adult team-building, don’t you think? What fun!
I agree!
Very nice article. Congrats to the winners. Speaking of winners the Webster Schroeder Girls Flag Football has won the Sectional and Regional Games and now competing for the State title. Looks like many of our Webster students are involved in many forms of competition. Congrats to all.
That’s neat news about the flag football team (wish they had that when I was in high school). I’d love to get more info about that if you know someone who can fill me in.
I can get you the information.I’m going to the final game today
The Schroeder Warrior Girls. Won today against a long island team. We are now state champions. Both high schools have a flag football team RL did not make the playoffs. Anyone interested can call either school. Whatever district, you go to high school in the school will inform you of which coach to call.
Thank you!