Building your own raft powered by surface tension can be an exciting and rewarding experience. With a few simple supplies and some basic knowledge, you can create your own dynamic raft, ready to explore the waterways.
Table of Contents
What is Surface Tension?
Surface tension is the invisible force that causes water molecules to attract one another on the surface of a liquid, creating a film of tension. This tension can be used to propel a small raft forward, making it a great option for anyone interested in low-cost and environmentally friendly forms of transportation.
Supplies Needed
To make a surface tension raft, you’ll need the following materials:
– plywood or plastic sheeting
– rubber bands
– duct tape
– straws
– water
Step 1: Cut the Plywood
The first step is to cut the plywood. To make sure that your raft is properly proportioned, you’ll need to measure the surface area of your chosen waterway and cut the wood so that it’s slightly larger than the area you need to cover.
Step 2: Attach The Straws
Once your wood is cut, you’ll need to attach straws to the sides of the wood. Using the rubber bands, tightly secure one end of the straws to the wood and wrap the other end. This will act as a barrier to keep the water in and create a paddle that will be pushed by the water molecules on the surface of the water.
Step 3: Attach the Duct Tape
The final step is to attach the duct tape to the outside of the wood. This will help to secure the raft and give it some additional strength.
Ready to Launch
Once your raft is complete, it’s time to launch it. Gently place the raft on the water and let it go! The surface tension between the molecules in the water will act against the straws, pushing your raft forward.
Explore the Waterways
Now that you’ve built your own surface tension raft, you’re ready to explore the waterways! Take a trip down the river or just enjoy a peaceful day on the lake. No matter where you decide to go, you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing that you built your own raft powered by surface tension.
