How to make a Terrible Thames boat that floats
The Terrible Thames river tour is back for another season, and with London enjoying such sunny weather this year, it’s a great opportunity to see the city at its best while learning some of its most grisly stories. If you’re inspired to create your own boat and look into the history of your local river for an imaginary tour, here’s how to create a boat that floats.
How to make a floating paper boat
Did you know it’s possible to make a paper boat that floats? This fun activity is perfect for anyone who loves a challenge - you could even have a competition with siblings or friends to see whose boat floats the best! All you need is a piece of A4 paper and some hair wax.
Step 1: Fold your A4 paper in half lengthways. Open it out and fold it from short side to short side (‘hamburger style’), so that when you open it out again you have a cross.
Step 2: Keeping the paper folded in hamburger style, turn it horizontal with the open side at the bottom. Fold the top two corners down so that they meet in the middle at the crease that now runs from top to bottom. You should now have a triangle shape with two flaps at the bottom.
Step 3: Take each flap and fold it upwards to make a paper hat shape. Next take the top corners of one flap and fold them backwards so they tuck in between the triangle and the other flap. Then fold the top corners of the second flap over backwards on the outside of the triangle and the first flap. You should now have a flush triangle shape.
Step 4: Pick up the triangle and tuck your thumbs into the bottom. Gently pull the paper apart to open it up into a diamond shape. Place it with the point facing towards you and the extra folds at the bottom. Fold the bottom point of the top flap of your diamond up so that it meets the top point. Flip the paper over and do the same on the other side. You should have a triangle again.
Step 5: Just as before, pick up your triangle, slide your thumbs between the bottom edges and gently pull to create a square. You should now have two points facing left and right. Crease the edges well to ensure the paper keeps its shape.
Step 6: Carefully pull your left and right-facing triangles outwards to open up the boat shape. Try to keep the triangle that emerges in the centre sticking upwards, as this will be the mast of your boat.
Floating your boat
Waterproof your boat by spreading some hair wax over the bottom or colouring it with a wax crayon. Then it’s time to put your work to the test! Fill a bowl of water and gently place the boat on the surface. Does your Terrible Thames tour boat float?
Hop aboard the Terrible Thames tour
You can get tickets for the Terrible Thames river tour at KX Tickets today. Tours run throughout the school holidays between 9.45am and 3.45pm, according to the tides.
