Students make mini boats

FELIDA — Fifth- and seventh-grade students at Eisenhower Elementary School had the opportunity to design their own miniature boats to sail across the Pacific Ocean. They recently worked on the project on Oct. 14, building 5-foot boats in the program called Mobile Miniboat Makerspace, facilitated by the Columbia River Maritime Museum in Astoria, Ore. Sister schools in Japan and Kiribati launch an identical fleet. “We’re navigating the uncharted waters of COVID-19 and finding new ways to continue this vital program for local schools,” said Nate Sandel, education director for the Columbia River Maritime Museum. “One theme our students learn as part of the Miniboat Program is the importance of adapting to find ways to succeed even when faced with a challenge — and that’s just what we hope to demonstrate this year as we evolve our program.” Since students couldn’t work in class together this fall, Sandel developed the mobile makerspace that would visit the students in Oregon and Southwest Washington. The students work outside to prepare the boats, accompanied by weekly virtual visits. In its fourth year, the Miniboat Program provides an educational opportunity that introduces students to marine science. Follow the miniboat adventures on Facebook at CRMM Miniboat Program or at www.crmm.org.