How to Make Model Boats Out of Used Stuff
A grand way to teach children the art of recycling, making model boats out of used stuff will do wonders for their creative flair on both sunny and rainy days. Utilize items you would normally recycle anyway, and allow your youngsters to create their very own model boats and float them on their merry way with precisely “no strings attached.”
Things You Will Need:
- Cardboard milk carton
- Safety scissors
- Paperless cardboard roll
- Glue
- Waterproof markers or paint
- Décor
- Napkin
- Straw
- Masking tape
- Water
Instructions:
- Determine the hull size of the boat that you wish to make. Search for appropriately sized cartons, such as half-pint or gallon sized materials.
- Clean out your milk carton completely, and allow it to air dry.
- Place the boat onto one of its longer sides. From the carton’s original top and bottom, you have now created the front and back of the boat. Once used to pour the milk out from, the folded point of the milk carton has the newly appointed role as the boat’s bow.
- Utilize your scissors by cutting off the top panel of the boat to create an opening. Leave intact the two sides, front, bottom and back. Warning: Be an example to your children by operating your scissors wisely, never walking or running with them. Do not give scissors to younger tots, even if they deem the word “safety.” Instead, cut the boat yourself.
- Use masking tape, completely covering the front, back and sides of the boat, forgoing the bottom.
- Make a mast by taping a straw to the inner back of the boat. For a sail, add a napkin folded in half.
- Add décor to your boat, utilizing waterproof markers or paint, gemstones and other fun items not likely to come off in water. Consider adding a smokestack or two with an empty cardboard roll, once adorned with toilet paper or paper towel.
- Set your boat sailing alone or as a fleet in your chosen pool of water.