Chandler Cardboard Boat Regatta

Event Organizer | Chandler Unified School District

Overview

Developed and led a district-wide engineering design challenge where students built and raced life-sized boats made entirely of cardboard and adhesive materials. Teams applied physics and engineering principles to design buoyant, stable watercraft capable of carrying two paddlers across a full pool course.

Highlights

Organized and directed competition for all high school engineering departments in Chandler; managed safety inspections, race heats, and event logistics at the Hamilton Aquatic Center; designed engineering challenge rules, construction guidelines, and instructional materials; engaged more than 100 students in hands-on learning about buoyancy, structure, and teamwork; partnered with educators and community facilities to ensure safety, inclusion, and engagement.

Learning Impact

Students experienced the complete engineering design process—from initial concept to prototype testing and redesign. The event fostered creativity, collaboration, and real-world problem solving, transforming STEM principles into a dynamic, high-energy community experience.