Do you want to have a fun and easy project to do with your kids? Then why not try making a paper motorboat? It’s a simple and creative way to give your little ones a fun science lesson while having a great time together.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to make your own paper motorboat in just six steps.
We’ll explain what materials you’ll need, how to cut the paper into a boat shape, how to make a propeller, and how to attach the battery to the paperclip.
So, let’s get started and get your paper motorboat ready to sail in no time!
Table of Contents
Short Answer
To make a paper motorboat, you will need a piece of paper, scissors, a pencil, tape, and a straw.
Begin by folding the paper in half lengthwise and then cutting along the fold.
Next, draw a boat shape on the folded paper and cut out the shape.
Unfold the paper and then fold the edges of the boat inwards.
Tape the edges together and cut a small slit in the front of the boat.
Insert the straw into the slit and tape it in place.
Your paper motorboat is now ready to be sailed!
Materials Needed
Making a paper motorboat is an enjoyable and educational activity that can be done with just a few household items.
To get started, you will need paper, scissors, a craft knife, tape, a paperclip, and a battery.
The first step is to cut the paper into a boat shape.
You can use any kind of paper you have available, but a stiffer paper like cardstock will work best.
After cutting out the boat, fold it in half lengthwise and use the craft knife to make a slit in the center.
This will be where the propeller will be attached.
Next, you need to make a propeller out of paper.
A simple propeller shape can be drawn and then cut out with the scissors.
Once the propeller is cut out, use the tape to attach it to the back of the boat.
Make sure it is securely attached, as it will be the driving force behind the motorboat.
Finally, attach the battery to the paperclip and you’re ready to set your boat in the water! Place it in a shallow body of water, such as a bathtub, and watch as the propeller starts to move the boat forward.
With a little bit of effort, you can make a motorboat that will move under its own power.
Have fun experimenting with different paper shapes and battery sizes to see what works best for your boat.
Step 1
Making a paper motorboat is an enjoyable and creative way to explore the principles of physics.
To get started, you will need some paper, scissors, a craft knife, tape, a paperclip, and a battery.
The first step is to cut the paper into a boat shape.
It can be as simple or complex as you like, so have fun and get creative with your design! Once you are happy with the shape of your boat, fold the paper in half lengthwise and make a small slit in the center.
This will be used to attach the propeller later on.
Next, you will need to make a propeller out of paper.
You can either use a pre-made template or create your own.
Once you have a propeller shape, use tape to attach it to the back of the boat.
Make sure that the propeller is positioned so that it will spin when the battery is connected.
Finally, you will need to attach the battery to the paperclip.
The paperclip should be connected to the propeller so that when the battery is connected it will spin and power the motorboat forward.
Make sure that the battery is securely attached to the paperclip before you put your boat in the water.
Once everything is connected, youre ready to put your motorboat in the water.
With a little effort, youll have a motorboat that will move across the water.
Have fun and enjoy your paper motorboat!
Step 2
Making a paper motorboat can be a fun and easy science project for kids and adults alike.
In the second step of the process, after cutting the paper into a boat shape, you need to fold the paper in half lengthwise and cut a slit in the center.
To do this, start by grabbing the two ends of the paper and folding it in half so that the two ends meet.
Make sure that the edges of the paper are aligned and that the fold is creased firmly.
Then, using a craft knife, cut a slit along the fold of the paper.
This will be where your motor will be attached, so it needs to be wide enough to fit the motor.
Once the slit is cut, you’re ready to proceed to the next step.
Step 3
Step 3 involves making the propeller for your paper motorboat.
This can be done with either paper or cardboard.
For paper, you will need to cut out a rectangular-shaped piece and fold it in half lengthwise.
Make sure to make the crease as sharp as possible as this will be the axis of rotation for your propeller.
After cutting out the propeller shape, make two small holes on either side of the center of the propeller and thread a piece of tape through.
This will be used to attach the propeller to the back of the boat.
For cardboard, you can use a craft knife to cut out the propeller shape and then make two holes on either side of the center for threading the tape.
Once the propeller is ready, attach it to the back of the boat with the piece of tape.
Make sure to secure the propeller firmly so that it does not come off while the boat is in motion.
Step 4
The fourth step in making a paper motorboat is to attach the battery to the paperclip.
This is the most important step in the process, as the battery will be the power source for the motorboat.
Start by attaching the battery to the paperclip using a piece of tape.
Make sure the battery is securely attached, as it needs to be able to provide power to the motorboat.
Once the battery is securely attached, you can place your paper motorboat in the water.
With a little effort and some careful maneuvering, your motorboat will be ready to sail.
Before launching your paper motorboat, it is important to check that all the components are securely attached and that the battery is still providing power to the motorboat.
You can also make small adjustments to the paperclip and battery position to ensure the motorboat is balanced and will move in the intended direction.
Once you are satisfied with the setup, you are ready to launch your paper motorboat.
With a few turns of the wheel, your paper motorboat will be ready to take off and explore the world.
Step 5
The final step in making a paper motorboat is to attach the battery to the paperclip.
There are a few different ways to do this.
The most common method is to insert the positive end of the battery into the top of the paperclip and the negative end into the bottom.
This will create a circuit which will power the motorboat.
Alternatively, you can use electrical tape to secure the battery to the paperclip.
Once the battery is attached, you can place your motorboat in a body of water and watch it move! Depending on the size of the motorboat, it should be able to travel across the water with ease.
Step 6
The final step in making a paper motorboat is attaching the battery to the paperclip.
To achieve this, you’ll need to make sure the battery is securely fastened to the paperclip.
Depending on the size and shape of the battery, you may need to bend the paperclip slightly to make sure it fits.
Once the battery is securely attached, you’ll be ready to put your motorboat in the water! Make sure the paperclip is positioned so the propeller will turn when the battery is activated.
You may need to adjust the position of the paperclip to ensure the boat moves in the desired direction.
When you’re satisfied with the position of the paperclip and the battery, you’ll be ready to watch your paper motorboat move across the water!
Final Thoughts
Making a paper motorboat is a fun and easy science project for anyone to try! With just a few simple materials, you can create a motorboat that will move across the water on its own power.
Now that you know the steps involved, why not give it a try? With a little effort, you could be racing your own paper motorboat in no time!