Cardboard and Duct Tape Take Center Stage at Cypress Woods High School’s 5th Annual Boat Regatta
The pool at Cypress Woods High School was anything but ordinary this week as AP/DC Physics II students put their science skills to the ultimate test during the fifth annual Cardboard Boat Regatta. The event has become a beloved tradition in the Cypress community, where physics meets fun in a high-energy, hands-on competition.
Equipped with only cardboard, duct tape, and an understanding of physics principles, student teams were challenged to design, build, and race boats capable of carrying them across the water. The project brought concepts like buoyancy, stability, fluid dynamics, and structural design out of the classroom and into a real-world challenge, all while encouraging collaboration and creativity.
Each team’s creation reflected weeks of planning, experimentation, and trial-and-error. Boats ranged from impressively sleek vessels to colorful, thematic constructions—some designed for speed, others for stability. Some crossed the finish line with ease, while others took on water or capsized to the cheers and laughter of classmates and teachers alike.
Mobile Sidebar Ad
The regatta is more than just a fun day at the pool. It serves as an innovative approach to STEM education, reinforcing key academic concepts while fostering problem-solving, teamwork, and engineering skills. Through the process of building their boats, students gained a deeper understanding of how physics applies to real-world situations—learning what works, what doesn’t, and how to adapt quickly when things go off course.
As part of the Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District, Cypress Woods High School continues to build a strong foundation for future engineers, scientists, and innovators. Events like the Cardboard Boat Regatta are designed to ignite curiosity and provide a dynamic, memorable learning experience for students.
With the success of this year’s regatta, anticipation is already building for what next year’s event will bring. As always, the combination of science, teamwork, and a little bit of duct tape promises another unforgettable day in Cypress.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
