Cranberries + Harvest Boats | Science and STEM Worksheets and PowerPoint

Bring fall science to life with Cranberry Science & Harvest Boat STEM! Students investigate real cranberries, record their discoveries, and become engineers as they design a foil boat to carry a cranberry harvest.

Designed for grades 1–3, this hands-on resource combines scientific investigation, engineering, math, and reflection with a whimsical woodland design and real cranberry photographs.

Students will:

• Observe cranberries and make predictions.

• Test five berries to discover whether they float or sink.

• Explore how air spaces help cranberries float.

• Learn about cranberry harvesting.

• Plan, build, and test a foil boat.

• Improve their design and compare results.

• Count, use evidence, and explain their thinking.

What’s included:

• 15-page PDF with student activities, teacher guidance, answer keys, and credits.

• 21-slide lesson presentation to guide observations, investigations, boat building, and discussion.

• Recording sheets for predictions, testing, planning, redesigning, and comparing results.

• Math practice and an exit ticket.

• Teacher preparation directions, learning goals, safety guidance, and differentiation suggestions.

• Real cranberry photographs and whimsical illustrations.

Simple materials: Fresh cranberries, aluminum foil, shallow plastic containers, water, and basic classroom supplies.

Flexible timing: Teach in one 60–70-minute session or two 35-minute sessions.

Perfect for fall science, harvest studies, STEM days, and hands-on learning before Thanksgiving!

Please note: This is a digital resource. No physical materials are included. Investigation results and boat capacities will vary; answer keys provide guidance and sample responses.