uOttawa News

OTTAWA, December 9, 2014  —  The Faculty of Education of the University of Ottawa invites members of the media to attend a Cardboard Boat Race, which will take place in the Montpetit pool at the University of Ottawa.

Last week, teams of students from the Faculty of Education were provided with materials and tasked with building a boat in only two hours. Students brought together their problem-solving, teamwork and design skills to create a “boat” out of only two 4’ x 8’ sheets of corrugated cardboard and duct tape.

During the upcoming race, teams will test the seaworthiness of their cardboard boats by attempting to navigate them from one end to the other of the Olympic-size pool. For teams whose vessels are well designed, and with a bit of luck, the cardboard vessels will not only make it the full length of the pool but also hold the weight of team members as they each pile in.

The goal of this event is to engage students in an activity that use both their brains and their hands to solve open-ended problems and to use critical and creative thinking skills that will ultimately make them better teachers.

WHAT: Cardboard Boat Race
WHEN: December 10, 2014, at 2 p.m.
WHERE: University of Ottawa swimming pool, Montpetit Hall (125 University | Map)

Media inquiries

Danika Gagnon
Media Relations Officer
University of Ottawa
Office: 613-562-5800 (2981)
Cell.: 613-863-7221
danika.gagnon@uOttawa.ca