The GPS boat race winning team.
“Unsinkable II” lived up to its name in the engineering class boat race at GPS. Four teams lined up to compete in the down-and-back in boats presumably constructed to withstand the water and the weight of the rowers. Only two boats made it to the finish line; the others sank midway through the course.
As the two rowers in “Usain Boat” seemed to have the race in hand, their oars tangled with the lane-separating floats at the side of the pool, and they lost critical seconds to the single rower in “Unsinkable II.” With friends and family cheering all boats from the pool deck and gallery, the two boats that finished looked as if they could have handled another trip down the length of the pool. Enjoy the gallery of photos from the race here.
The students divided into groups of four to work on the boats, using cardboard, several types of tape, and latex house paint to secure their designs. While all of the constructions resembled water crafts, “Usain Boat” had a solid and unique closed-top design that made it look like a raft. “Legally Buoyant” and the “Friend Ship” were the boats whose “sailors” sank.
The engineering class provides tools and materials for student exploration and problem solving in interdisciplinary, hands-on projects. The boat race was a great example of the students’ initiative and problem-solving skills, according to teacher Jill Pieritz. Post-race class time is spent examining the varying construction methods and identifying the aspects of the boats that led to their success or failure.
Prior to the race, one McCallie student surprised a GPS senior by stepping into her boat and setting up a sign that read, “I know you love your boat, but will you go to the prom with me?” She said yes.