Steamboat Power

Steamboat Power
A steamboat or steamship, sometimes called a steamer, is a ship in which the primary method of propulsion is steam power, typically driving propellers or paddlewheels.

Make a Steam-Powered "Rocket Boat"

What do you need?

1. Metal tube (a cigar tube works great -- ask an adult to get you one)
2. Two pieces of strong, stiff wire (like clothes hanger wire) about 18-inches long
3. Cork that fits snuggly into the end of the tube
4. Two food warmer candles (in metal cups)
5. Balsa wood (4 inch by 8 inch, 1/2-inch thick)
6. Masking tape
7. Hammer and three nails
8. Matches

What to do?

Put the cork into the end of the metal tube making sure its very tight. Carefully poke a hole through the cork with a nail.
Take the two 18-inch lengths of wire. Wrap the wire around metal tube about one-inch from each end of the tube, and twist the wire tightly with the pliers so the tube is firmly held by the wire and won't slide.
Cut a boat shape out of the balsa wood, making a triangle bow at one end. Hammer two large nails in each end about one inch in from each end. The nails will help to stabilize.

Mount the two candles about 1-1/2 inches from each end of the wood. Use loops of masking tape to stick the metal cups to the wood. Take the tube with the wire and mount the tube so the wire will hold the tube just above the candles. Wrap the ends of the wire around and under the board and twist the ends neatly on the underside. (See picture.)
Carefully remove the cork from the tube and fill the tube about three-quarters full with very hot water. Tightly replace the cork. Make sure water will drip out the hole in the tube. Fill up a bath tub or a large sink with water. Put your boat in the water and ask an adult to carefully light the candles.