Objective

By the end of this lesson, you will have successfully built a raft using only paddle pop sticks and hot glue.

Materials and Prep

Materials:

• Paddle pop sticks (at least 50 sticks)
• Hot glue gun and glue sticks
• Flat surface for building
• Optional: waterproof sealant for added durability

Preparation:

• Make sure you have a good supply of paddle pop sticks and functioning hot glue gun.
• Cover your work area with newspaper or a protective surface to catch any glue drips.

Activities

• Design Planning: Sketch out your raft design on paper before starting to build. Think about the shape, size, and structure.
• Stick Assembly: Start by laying out the paddle pop sticks in the design you planned. Use the hot glue gun to attach the sticks together securely.
• Testing and Adjusting: Once the basic structure is complete, test your raft in water to see how it floats. Make any necessary adjustments or reinforcements.
• Decorate and Personalize: Get creative and add any finishing touches to your raft. You can paint it, add flags, or even make miniature paddles.

Talking Points

• Explain the importance of the design phase: "Planning your raft design helps ensure a sturdy and functional final product."
• Discuss the role of hot glue in construction: "Hot glue is a quick and effective adhesive for joining paddle pop sticks together."
• Talk about testing in water: "Testing your raft in water helps identify any weak spots that need reinforcement."
• Encourage creativity in decoration: "Personalizing your raft adds a fun and unique touch to your creation."