With about two months left in the school year, LFHS physics classes are heading into the home stretch. As the semester progresses, many activities remain on the agenda: the Six Flags field trip, several engaging in-class labs, and, of course, the annual boat race.

The physics boat race has become a lasting tradition at LFHS. Every year, students enrolled in any level of physics divide into groups and construct a boat out of cardboard. In April, they then bring their completed boats to the LFHS pool and paddle around the perimeter, competing for the fastest time. The entire project spans nearly three months and is an opportunity for students to be creative, bond with their peers, and expand their understanding of buoyancy— a unit taught in all physics classes.

“I like the boat race project because it’s a fun way to learn physics. Almost everyone looks forward to it and the competition with your classmates is always fun,” senior Megan Rocklein said.

Many students value the project because it offers a different way of learning.

“I like the boat race project because it’s very collaborative and requires us students to use creativity and out of the box thinking to succeed, which is unique,” senior Quinn Brown said.

LFHS alumnus Hayden Shortsle recalls his experience with the race last school year. 

“I loved the boat race. Although it took a lot of time, it was a great opportunity to apply physics in a way that was exciting and competitive, all while working with a fun team,” Shortsle said.

Although the majority of students enjoy the project and eagerly anticipate the day of the race, many do not recognize the time and effort that is required to be successful. The boat race project is worth a total of 200 points, allocated as such: 

• Student-teacher conferences – 80 points
• Ability to stay afloat – 30 points
• Ability to stay afloat with the pilot inside – 20 points
• Waterline calculation – 20 points
• The race itself – 30 points 
• The student-led journal – 20 points 

Worth 10% of students’ final grades, this project is a stressful experience for many, especially considering that it’s completed while students are beginning to study for finals and AP tests.

“It’s a really fun activity and it’s something everyone looks forward to,” senior Natalie Elliott said. “But, as seniors, many of us are juggling sports, college, and the last semester of high school, so it’s hard to find time to dedicate to such a hard project.”

Senior Eva Elsen agrees that the project requires a lot of time and effort.

“I think the boat race is a super fun end of high school activity, but it takes up a lot of time outside of school,” Elsen said.

The boat project also has a lot of logistical aspects to it. Senior Rayanne Attar mentions how she struggled with this.

“The project was frustrating at times because my group didn’t have a garage to work in, which made it challenging to find a place to construct our boat,” Attar said. “The transportation of the cardboard, which is about five by seven feet, was a long process because it wouldn’t fit into any of our cars, and it has also been very difficult to find the time for our group to meet up because of our conflicting schedules.”

Not only does the project take up a lot of time and effort, but students also need to purchase their own materials— a pricey ask as it’s suggested that each group buys caulk, paint, sealant, tape, wood, and more.

“Our group went to Home Depot to purchase our materials, and the total ended up being around $100,” Attar said. “It would have been nice if the school had provided materials so that we didn’t have to spend as much, especially since the boat race is a required project.”

The physics boat project is undoubtedly an exciting and engaging time for students, but a few alterations to the project— like more time to work on the boat’s construction in class, all necessary materials being provided for by the school, and the project being worth a lesser percentage of students’ final grades— could make the project all the more enjoyable.

Make sure you head down to LFHS’ pool on April 28th to cheer on your peers as they try to stay afloat!