Water

A gondola is a long, narrow, traditional Venetian rowing boat. Propelled by a gondolier using a single oar, Gondolas have been in use since at least the 11th century. Historically, they were a primary means of transport for Venetians, especially the upper classes. Today, they are enjoyed mostly by tourists as an iconic symbol of the city of Venice. Students will construct a traditional Venetian gondola while learning about the city's history, infrastructure, and how the need to create this mode of transportation came about.

Ancient Egyptian funerary barges were ceremonial and symbolic vessels used to transport the deceased across the Nile and into the afterlife. They were often decorated with carvings and paintings, and sometimes found in large tombs as part of the burial goods. These boats varied in size and design, representing the deceased's journey to the afterlife and serving as provisions for their eternal existence.

Our Paddlewheel boat is inspired by Leonardo Da Vinci's study of water. Da Vinci envisioned boats that the future would bring, drawing them in his notebooks. Construct and test his paddlewheel boat. Our design is powered by a rubber band. During the warmer months, you can test it out in our water lab for the complete experience. 

Canals were the world's first steps towards mass movement infrastructure. Before technology like trains and automobiles, boats were the first vehicles capable of moving large amounts of goods and people from one place to another. All you needed was water and a boat! When there was no water, humans devised a way to create waterways. Humans have dug canals since the time of ancient Egypt and China. Connecticut was once home to a canal that helped open the interior of New England to industry and trade. Each student will learn this history and build their own canal boat with unique features to help it navigate these man-made waterways.

In the first half of the 19th century, Connecticut joined the race to California and China in sleek, bold Clipper Ships. Construct a model clipper with a hold to export and import cargo that built Connecticut's industry and commerce. Discover why these tall ships lasted long into the steam age.