Let's Go Sailing

Get inspired by the science books in our Special Collections, and make your own sailing boat to see how wind works!

You will need: 

• Corks (at least 3)​
• Elastic bands (at least 2)​
• Paper or card​
• Glue stick​
• Some String

Instructions: 

1. Join the 3 corks together using the elastic bands – this will form the base of the boat. A hot glue gun can also be used to stick the corks together, but make sure an adult does this. ​
2. To make the sails, cut out squares from paper or card making sure the sides are around the same length as the wooden skewer or toothpick you are using.​
3. Create a design of your choice on the sail using pencils, pens or even paint.​
4. Carefully pierce the skewer or toothpick through the top and bottom of the sail. ​
5. Create a wimple (flag) by cutting a small diamond shape out of some coloured paper and secure it around the top of the skewer/toothpick with some glue. The wimple will also help to stop the sail from coming off. ​
6. Poke the opposite end of the skewer/toothpick into the middle cork until it is securely placed.​
7. Place the cork boat in a sink or container filled with water and blow on the boat in different directions to see how wind works.​

If you want to take the boats to local ponds, lakes or rivers, make sure to tie a long piece of string around the boat so that you can hold on and retrieve the boat safely. 

This activity was inspired by the book
Science can be fun (1968)
by Munro Leaf, which is held in our Special Collections.