How Does a Paddle Move a Canoe Forward?

What Crafty Clover says in this video

Intro

Hi there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. How does a paddle move a canoe forward?

The Big Idea

When you pull a paddle backward through the water, the canoe moves forward! You push the water, and the water pushes back. That is a famous science idea, and it works for rockets, too.

Pull Back

Step one: pull the paddle. You pull the paddle blade backward through the water, which pushes some water back. A big blade pushes more water, so it gives a bigger push forward. But a giant blade is harder to pull.

Push Back

Step two: the push back. The water pushes the paddle forward, and the canoe goes with it, because every push has an equal push back. Scientists call this Newton's third law of motion. You can feel it when you push off a wall and glide backward.

Steering

Step three: steering. Paddling on only one side makes the canoe turn. So paddlers switch sides or use special steering strokes to go straight. A partner at the back usually does the steering.

A Closer Look

Let's take a closer look at a paddle stroke! A paddler sits in a canoe. The blade pulls back through the water. The water pushes back on the blade. And the canoe glides forward.

Quick Facts

Quick facts! Long, smooth strokes work better than short, splashy ones. A bigger blade moves more water. Paddlers work as a team. Always wear a life jacket on a boat, with a grown-up.

Think Like a Scientist

Now, think like a scientist! In a bathtub with a grown-up, push a toy boat by moving a spoon behind it. Does pushing the water backward move the boat forward? Tell someone what happens! Share what you discover with a grown-up.

Outro

A paddle pushes water back, and the water pushes the canoe forward. Science is amazing! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!