Folded Paper Boats That Really Float
The classic folded paper boat needs nothing more than one rectangle of paper. With a quick crayon coating it floats for longer, which turns a simple craft into a fun experiment about buoyancy and waterproofing.
Published · 1 min read
- Difficulty
- Beginner
- Crafting time
- 20 minutes
- Estimated cost
- Free–$3
Table of contents
Make it an experiment
Fold three boats from different papers, such as printer paper, newspaper and wax-coated paper, and see which one floats longest. Ask kids to predict the winner first.
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Materials and supplies
Tick items off as you gather them.
tools you'll need
- Your hands
let's make it!
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1: Fold in half
Fold the paper in half from top to bottom, then fold it in half side to side and unfold to make a center crease.
Step 2: Make the roof
With the folded edge at the top, fold the top two corners down to meet at the center crease, forming a triangle.
Step 3: Fold up the brims
Fold the bottom strip up on the front, then turn the paper over and fold the other strip up. It looks like a paper hat.
Step 4: Turn it into a square
Open the hat from the bottom and press it flat into a diamond. Fold the bottom points up on both sides, then open and flatten into a diamond again.
Step 5: Open the boat
Gently pull the two top points apart. The boat pops into shape. Press the bottom flat so it sits upright.
Step 6: Waterproof and test
Color the bottom and sides firmly with crayon to add a waxy layer, then float your boat.
pro tips!
Helpful craft tips
- Crisp creases make a sturdier boat.
- Add a small paper flag on a toothpick for a sail.
Variations to try
- Boat race: blow through straws to race boats across a tub.
- Cargo test: count how many pennies a boat holds before sinking.
Safety tips
Always supervise children around water, even shallow tubs.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a paper boat float?
Plain paper boats usually float for a few minutes. A thorough crayon coating can keep them afloat noticeably longer.
Keep crafting
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