Students launch handmade boats during the Owl’s Nest STEM Boat Build Challenge on April 18 in Port Isabel. Photo by Nicole Ekstrom.
By JACQI LEYVA-HILL
Special to the PRESS
A group of local homeschool students turned classroom concepts into hands-on learning April 18 during the Owl’s Nest STEM Boat Build Challenge, launching boats made from recycled materials into the Laguna Madre.
The project originated with Lauren Frey, a participating parent in the Owl’s Nest homeschool co-op, who proposed the idea as a way to make science classes more student-led. The co-op, based in Bayview and led by Nicole Ekstrom, has been meeting for about three years and focuses on science-based learning for children ages 6 to 12.
“Lauren and I have been brainstorming ways to make classes more student-led,” Ekstrom said. “This semester she approached me with the idea for a STEM boat building challenge.”
About 25 students formed five teams, working both during group sessions at the Laguna Vista Public Library and independently to design and construct their boats. Teams used at least 80 percent recycled materials, including items such as plastic bottles, PVC pipe, pallet boards and foam. Pre-existing vessels like kayaks or surfboards were not allowed.
During library sessions, students explored boat design, propulsion methods and problem-solving strategies, then applied those concepts through hands-on building and testing. Organizers said the process emphasized teamwork as students collaborated, debated ideas and refined their designs.
Race day logistics were coordinated by Eric Christensen who developed the plan for launching and timing the boats. The race was held from a private residence in Port Isabel due to safety considerations and was not open to the public. Volunteers, including experienced water participants, assisted with safety, while teams selected a captain to guide each vessel.
The race format was straightforward: boats traveled out to a buoy and back, with the fastest time determining the winner. One boat competed at a time, and top teams advanced to a final round.
Christensen’s team, consisting of Caleb, Lyla, Hazel, Cora and CJ, recorded the fastest time and placed first. All participants received ribbons recognizing their efforts.
“Essentially we hope that the children feel confident to imagine, to think and to build,” Frey said. “To get out there and do it.”
While it remains uncertain whether the challenge will return next year, organizers said the inaugural event successfully combined science, creativity and community, giving students a memorable, hands-on learning experience.
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