We found out that some of the methods that should work in theory don't work when we apply them in these circumstances. This is a lot of trial and error, but we don't mind spending a lot more time on this than we would on a regular class. It's a lot of fun too. Only wood fiber materials are allowed in construction, but resins, commonly used paper chemicals and duct tape can be used to join the hull to the frame. The kayak is unlike a typical water resistant package such as a milk carton, Allen explains.
Milk cartons retain liquid because they have a water repellant coating.
The students have designed a paper material which has internal water resistance. Special resins that have been added to the paper cause the fibers to repel water. The students will test a prototype of their kayak in the University of Maine swimming pool before building their entry for the Energy Challenge competition.