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Wood vs. Plastic: Paddle Materials

CSEF · 2017 Aerodynamics/ Hydrodynamics (Junior Division Only)

Andrea X. Liu · Stratford Middle School, Milpitas, Santa Clara County

Overview

Objectives/Goals The objective of this study was to determine what paddle material made the boat move at the fastest speed. Methods/Materials Homemade boat (topped with various objects to help move), various paddle materials, various tools used to assemble boat and paddles. Measured time boat took to reach the end of three distances with each paddle pair. Results Wooden paddles made the boat move at the fastest speed. Repeated trials were done to secure more accurate results, and the time for wooden paddles was always better than those of its plastic counterparts. Conclusions/Discussion My project's finding will help people who are engaged in water sports (involving paddling) make better paddle material choices if achieving high speed is a primary goal.

Summary statement

I showed that wooden paddles are better than plastic ones in making a boat move at a faster speed.

Help received

I did all of the work by myself. However, my dad gave advice on how to build the boat and my mom taught me how to create the layout of the data graphs.

Competition history

  • CSEF 2017 Aerodynamics/ Hydrodynamics (Junior Division Only) · Entry J0113

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