1.    The independent variable for this science fair project is the shape of the boat’s bow. The dependent variable is the amount of drag experienced by the boat in the water. The amount of drag is measured using the Newton spring balance. The constants (control variables) are the flow rate of the water, the weight placed in the boats and the size of the wooden boats.
 

2.    The 3 boats are made of  wood, as shown according to  figure 1 above. The approximate dimensions of the boats are 250mm in length and 80mm in width.
 

3.    The two water tanks are arranged as per figure 2 above. A 20mm cut is made on the shorter side of the inner tank as shown. This will determine the direction of the water flow. Fill both tanks with water.

4.    Place three water pumps outside the water tank as shown. The water will be pumped into the inner tank, on the side that has not been cut. When the pumps are turned on, the water will flow from one end of the inner tank to the opposite end.

5.    Fix the he cuboid wooden boat and Newton spring balance into the inner tank as shown. Place the  300 grams weight  inside the wooden boat to stabilize it. Turn on the 3 pumps.  Record The measurements on the Newton spring balance in the table provided below.

6.    Repeat step 5 using the half cylindrical shaped and the V-shaped boats. The measurements of the Newton spring are recorded in the table provided below.