The Mountain Times

Sink or swim: 120 Rutland students put their physics skills to the test

Cardboard may not seem like the best material for boat building, but you might be surprised what local high school students can achieve with the right knowledge. Physics students from Rutland High School competed in the 4th annual Cardboard Boat Regatta this past Monday. The races took place at Combination Pond behind the school and despite the warm air temperature; most skippers would soon find out that the water was still pretty cold.

Physics instructor Chad Hodgkins says his students use principles they have been learning all year to formulate a plan and hopefully build a vessel that floats. "These students are applying scientific methods and having fun. It is all about teamwork, competition, and getting outside to enjoy ourselves as the school year finishes. A lot of hard work went into these projects," Hodgkins explains.

Student creativity was on display amongst the colorful and varied cardboard boats. Some were clearly aiming for the "best sinking" prize, while others were built for speed. About 120 students, made up of groups of four entered almost 30 boats. There were five boats in each of the six heats with the winners of each meeting to compete in the final race.

The group was made up of mostly seniors celebrating the near end of their high school careers. The students had a grand time watching each others' designs succeed or capsize in a splashing, laughing, disaster.

Chad Hodgkins has seen his group of racers and spectators grow every year and this time he had a record number of students, teachers and parents in attendance. "It is great for the community to come and see how these students are learning and applying knowledge," he says.

Considering the fact that the boats were all made of only cardboard, glue, tape and sealant, quite a few were seaworthy and made it through the course in a respectable amount of time. The winning boat was called Minnow II, giving a nod to the S.S. Minnow from Gilligans Island. The boat and its captains, John Colomb, Cody Weatherby, Stevie Bartenstein and Alex Jarrosak, completed the course twice without capsizing or taking on water.

Their design resembled a cross between a sit on top kayak and a rowboat. The amount of time and effort that is required for a successful project like this was eye-opening, reflected the winners of this year's Cardboard Boat Regatta.