Floats and Boats

Cub Scouts · Adventure, Elective

Floats and Boats is about how things float. You'll learn about different boats, test what floats and sinks, build your own model boat, and practice putting on a life jacket. It's science you can splash in.

Why it's worth it

Why does a giant ship float while a tiny pebble sinks? In Floats and Boats you'll find out by testing things in water and building your own boat. You'll learn about canoes, sailboats, ferries, and tugboats, and why each one is shaped the way it is. It's science you can splash in, and it gets you ready for a Raingutter Regatta or your first time in a real boat.

Start this week

Fill a tub, sink, or bin with water and gather ten small things from around the house to test.
Look at pictures of boats in a library book or online and pick your favorite.
Save a clean milk carton, a piece of foil, or a sponge for building your boat.

Stay safe

Test boats in a tub or kiddie pool with an adult watching. Near real boats and docks, wear a life jacket and stay with your adult.

Requirements · 4

Every official requirement and part, numbered to match Scouting America, in plain language. Sign off against the official wording (opens in a new tab).

Requirement 1
Name five different kinds of boats
Tip: Look at pictures or visit a marina and name five boats, like a canoe, sailboat, or ferry.
For example: Five boats to name: a canoe that people paddle, a sailboat pushed by wind, a tugboat that pulls big ships, a ferry that carries cars and people, and a fishing boat with nets.
Requirement 2
Find five things that float and five that don't
Tip: Fill a tub with water and test toys, corks, coins, and spoons. Guess first, then test.
For example: Guess first, then test: a cork, a plastic lid, a leaf, an apple, and a rubber duck float. A coin, a spoon, a rock, a key, and a marble sink. Were any of your guesses wrong?
Requirement 3
Make a model boat, from recycled materials or other items, and float it on water
Tip: Build a boat from foil, a milk carton, or a sponge and see if it floats. Add a sail.
For example: Fold foil into a flat boat with sides, float it, then add pennies one at a time. How many can it hold before it sinks? Try a wider boat and see if it holds more.
Requirement 4
Show you can put on a life jacket and buckle it correctly, and learn when it's safe to get into a boat
Tip: Try on a life jacket with your adult and buckle every strap so it's snug. Talk about when it's safe to get into a boat, like only when an adult says so and with your life jacket on.
For example: Put on a life jacket, zip it, and buckle the straps. Have your adult gently lift it at the shoulders: if it slides up past your chin, tighten the straps. Then talk about boat rules, like waiting for an adult to say it's okay, stepping into the middle of the boat, and keeping your life jacket on the whole time.

Places to visit

Ask an adult to set it up, and go with your family, den, patrol, or crew.

A marina, boat launch, or maritime museum
You can see many kinds of boats up close and notice how their shapes are different.
How: Have your adult call ahead and ask if someone can show your den a few boats, or check a maritime museum's website for family days.

Talk about it together

Which float-or-sink test surprised you the most?
Why do you think your boat floated, or sank?
What would you change to make your boat carry more?
What kind of boat would you most like to ride in, and where would you go?

Helpful reads

Cub Scouts: a guide for families, How Cub Scout ranks and adventures work from kindergarten through fifth grade, what an adult partner does, and how to keep it fun at meetings and at home., Families · Leaders · 4 min read

For leaders & parents

Set up a float-or-sink station with a tub and a box of safe household items.
Have a boat-floating race in a kiddie pool or rain gutter.

People & places that can help

Public library — Picture books and videos on the topic; librarians can help find more.
Your den leader — Can share den plans and help you sign off what you've done.
A local marina or boating club — Can show real boats up close.
Floats and Boats adventure page (opens in a new tab) — Den float-or-sink tests and boat-building activities.
NOAA Ocean Service for Kids (opens in a new tab) — Fun facts and activities about oceans, ships, and water.
U.S. Coast Guard Boating Safety (opens in a new tab) — Life jacket and boating safety basics for families.

Tiger, Rank · 7 requirements

Into this? Explore more

On the water, Swimming, paddling, sailing, and diving

Tips, examples, and questions are ideas from experienced leaders, not extra requirements. Your unit leader or counselor decides when a requirement is complete.