What happens when you mix science, teamwork, creativity, and a whole lot of water? You get the Boat Challenge at this year’s STEAM Fair: Secondary Edition — and it was nothing short of epic!

Hosted by Templer Park International School Rawang (TPIS) as part of our annual celebration of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM), the Boat Challenge invited our secondary students to dive into the world of design and engineering by building their own mini boats… that actually had to float — and race!

🛠️ From Blueprints to Buoyancy
Students began with brainstorming sessions, sketching designs, and selecting materials that would (hopefully!) keep their boats afloat. Using everything from recycled plastics to foam boards, they had to think critically about weight, balance, propulsion, and waterproofing.

🌬️ Testing the Waters
Once construction wrapped up, it was time to test their creations in our mini boat basin. Some boats zipped across the surface with surprising speed. Others… let’s just say they embraced the “sink or swim” spirit of experimentation! But every attempt was a chance to learn — and laugh.

👩‍🔬 Why It Matters
The Boat Challenge wasn’t just about having fun (though there was plenty of that!). It encouraged students to apply principles of physics and engineering, practice creative problem-solving, and experience the trial-and-error process that real-world innovators face every day.

🏆 Celebrating Ingenuity
The atmosphere was electric, with students cheering each other on and celebrating everyone’s efforts.

The Boat Challenge at TPIS was more than just a splashy good time — it was a brilliant showcase of the curiosity, ingenuity, and collaboration that STEAM education is all about. We can’t wait to see what floats (or flies!) next year!