‘Abandon ship!? the students cried as they dove over the sides of their wooden boat into the water of a swimming pool.
This was their first test run of the boat 14 boys in grades 3-5 worked on all year as part of the inventors? club at Everest Academy. According to the students, a few gaps in the floorboards had gone unnoticed and water quickly found a way into the boat. A few repairs later and the ship was ready for its maiden voyage on June 7.
This year marked the launch of both the boat and the club that created it. Started by Mr. Joneson, a third grade teacher at Everest as an after-school program, the 14 students in the inventors club started with an idea and made their dream into a reality.
The students worked hands-on with the project from start to finish. Under the supervision of Joneson, the students designed the plans, fashioned the wood and assembled the boat, complete with a canvas sail.
On June 7, Joneson brought the boat to the edge of Big Fish Lake in Ortonville. Unfortunately, there was no wind in any direction to make use of. The students made the most of the situation and paddled around the lake on their own.
Already the group is looking forward to next year, where Joneson said they are hoping to build hovercrafts.