: I am a fifth grade teacher in Durham, NC. I have been pondering building a
: canoe or kayak as a classroom project. I've built a Ches 17 and am very
: familiar with the boat options, construction techniques etc. I am trying
: to locate other teachers who may have had a boat-building project for
: ideas about integrated lesson plans. I have some ideas but would like any
: other input from past experiences. It would be great to just go to the
: principal and say "We should build a kayak. They're cool!" but
: these days we will need to have a wholistic education package. Some
: schools are funny that way. :-) Thanks for any ideas.

: Brent in Durham

Hi Brent

Sounds like a great idea, but may I ask out of curiousity sake:

Of all the types of boats, most use fiberglass and resin, which could be a very serious concern for both the school and parents as to the childrens safety and health. How would you get around or through that process with reguards to safety and possible health issues??

Also, if you built a skin on frame, I can see how you can get around the resin issue, but do you think that you can keep the interest level up in a group of 5th graders during the building process??

I would love to get my grand kids interested in building with me, but they're a bit small now. The oldest is 8 and it's difficult trying to keep their interest in anything more than 10 minutes, then off they go chasing butterflies.

This would be a very interesting venture. Good Luck!!!

Rehd