Grade 8 students at Crowther Memorial Junior High School (CMJHS) competed in their annual cardboard boat races today (Feb 8).

Starting at 9:30 a.m., the students gathered in the Strathmore Civic Center for opening remarks and instructions. 

Students were instructed to build a boat with two pieces of cardboard, tape, a pool noodle, and a box cutter.

At 1:30 p.m., the students then went to Strathmore Aquatic Centre to race their boats.

Grade 8 science teachers Earl Sorensen and Rachel Cool said that this is their fifth year doing the boat races.

“This activity gives the kids a real authentic challenge that invites them to critically think, collaborate with each other, and work with their hands,” Cool said.

The idea was inspired by Skills Alberta, which promotes excellence in trade and technology careers through competition and hands-on programs.

“It's been a great curricular fit for Science 8; it has evolved over the last few years, and it's gotten better and better,” Sorensen said.

An architect and a mechanic were there as well to offer some advice and expertise to the students while judging their work.

Students' boats were graded on categories such as design, construction quality, teamwork and organization, safety, and visual appeal.

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