Jet Boat Experiment Kit – DIY Water-Jet Propulsion & Buoyancy STEM Boat

Description

Build a boat that runs on Newton's third law

This hands-on hydrodynamics kit turns a hull, a small motor, and an impeller into a working water-jet boat. Kids assemble the hull, connect a simple switch circuit, fit the pump impeller and rudder, then test it in water. The impeller throws water out of the spray tube, and the reaction force drives the boat forward.

Science it demonstrates

• Action and reaction: water is pushed backward and the boat is pushed forward, the same idea behind rockets and jet engines
• Centrifugal pumping: angled impeller blades draw water in and force it out under pressure
• Buoyancy: why the hollow hull floats, and how the pointed bow reduces drag
• Steering: how a rudder changes the boat's direction
• Simple circuits: wiring a battery, switch, and motor

What you'll do

• Wire the motor, switch, and battery contacts with the red and black leads
• Press the impeller onto the motor shaft and fit the spray tube
• Install the steering wheel and rudder, then close the battery compartment
• Put the boat in water first, switch it on, and try different rudder angles

Parts list

• Boat hull, waterproof cover plate, and battery cover
• Motor, impeller and impeller cover, water spray tube
• Switch, battery contact plates, red and black wires
• Steering wheel, rudder, screws, and a screwdriver
• Color stickers

Good to know

• Test it in a sink, bathtub, or basin, never in ponds, rivers, or other open water.
• Keep water out of the inside of the hull, and dry the boat after use.
• The steering wheel is manual; it is not driven by the motor.
• Adult supervision recommended. Contains small parts.