Book 3, Question 25 · Video
Why Do Boats Have Rudders?
A rudder is a flat fin at the back of a boat. When you angle it, flowing water pushes the stern sideways, and the bow turns. A rudder is an underwater door that steers the whole sh
Read the full answer →What Crafty Clover says in this video
Intro
Hey there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. Why do boats have rudders?
The Big Idea
A rudder is a flat fin at the back of a boat. When you angle it, flowing water pushes the stern sideways, and the bow turns. A rudder is an underwater door that steers the whole ship! Big ships use a steering wheel on the bridge that moves a rudder taller than a house.
Step 1
Step one: the boat moves. As the boat glides forward, water streams past the hull. That flowing water is what the rudder will use. The boat pivots the way a shopping cart turns when you push one wheel.
Step 2
Step two: water hits the fin. When you turn the tiller, the rudder angles left or right. The water hits the angled rudder and makes a side force that shoves the stern the other way. Airplanes have a tail rudder that steers in the air the same way.
Step 3
Step three: the bow swings. With the stern pushed one way, the nose points to a new path. Small corrections then keep the boat on course. That is how a captain follows a path across the sea.
A Closer Look
Let's take a closer look at a boat! The bow is the front, and the stern is the back. The tiller, or a steering wheel, controls the rudder. And the rudder is the fin that turns the boat. Turn the tiller, turn the boat! Together, these parts turn a plan into a path.
Quick Facts
Quick facts! Ancient Egyptian boats already used steering oars. A rudder only works when water is flowing. A stopped boat cannot steer well. Two rudders help some ferry boats steer. And always keep a grown-up nearby on real water. Rudders have been helping sailors for thousands of years.
Think Like a Scientist
Now, think like a scientist! First, float a toy boat. Tape a popsicle stick rudder to the back. Blow the boat forward, and twist the stick. Which way does the bow go? Write down what you notice.
Outro
A rudder uses moving water to turn a boat. Steer well, explorers! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!