Engineering and Naval Science classes compete in Farragut Cardboard Regatta
On Thursday and Friday, September 17th and 18th, the Engineering and Naval Science classes held a Cardboard Regatta. For over two weeks, the Engineering and Naval Science classes worked on designing vessels using concepts they learned in both classes. The tools they had to make the boats included cardboard, clear packing tape, duct tape, string, paint, and decorations. Students employed the engineering design process and their understanding of boat terminology and nomenclature to design a vessel that would carry them across Farragut’s pool.
Prior to the competition, Engineering/Naval Science student groups submitted a slide presentation containing the following:
- An Image of the complete design brief, the name of their vessel, and group members.
- A description of what they did in each phase of the design process
- Identification and knowledge of the anatomy of their vessel with a picture of the vessel.
The competition determined who will place first in a variety of categories:
- Fastest Time: One team member competes in the vessel from a starting point to a finishing point.
- Most Cargo: The vessel that can hold the most team members while in the water.
- Overall Aesthetics/Design: Judges from the Naval Science Department, Administration, and Engineering department will judge the overall look of the design. (judged prior to water use).
- Parts of Vessel: Students will have to accurately identify the parts of a boat using the boat nomenclature worksheet provided (14 parts in total).
- Craftsmanship: The vessel that holds up the best through all competitions. (judged when finished with all competitions).
Additionally, the scuba class students were able to practice breathing techniques and underwater photography and were there every step of the way as the cadets navigated the treacherous waters of the Farragut pool.
Cardboard Regatta Winners
The overall winning teams for class periods are:
- Period One: First Place: Spirit Gray
- Period Two: First Place: Mr. Man Man
- Period Three: First Place: P4
- Period Four: First Place: Britannic
- Periods Five and Six: First Place: Goliath
- Period Seven: First Place TIED: Knot Sinking and The Floater
“This was a great celebration of collaboration and learning,”
“This was a great celebration of collaboration and learning,” said Upper School Engineering Instructor Carolyn VanArsdale. “We were able to combine the instruction among engineering and naval science into a design problem that was challenging and fun. It was so refreshing to see students cheer on their teams. The day was filled with many successes and laughs. These are the moments that students will always take with them from Admiral Farragut Academy.”
“We definitely had a lot of fun watching the vessels try and make their way to the other side of the pool.”
“It was a great event for students to put theories into practice,” said Senior Naval Science Instructor LCDR Thelma Cabantac. “We definitely had a lot of fun watching the vessels try and make their way to the other side of the pool. We definitely need a repeat every year.”
John Young IV who participated in the project said, “It was lots of fun and a great competition. It gave me a new perspective on engineering and constructing models as well as ships.”
Special thank you to teachers Mrs. VanArsdale, LCDR Cabantac, Naval Science Instructor 1stSgt Mark Sanchez, and Upper School Scuba Instructor Tonya Singleton. Additionally, thank you to all of the volunteer judges and teachers who brought their classes out to support.
