Old Rochester seventh graders culminated a week of out of the box activities by getting into boxes. At the annual cardboard box boat race on Friday, teams of students launched their carefully engineered watercraft into Mattapoisett Harbor. The question was whether they would float or flounder.

Science teacher Kathy Gauvin said getting kids outside shows talents and skills that aren't as apparent when they're siting at their desks.

"It gives kids a different opportunity to shine who may not shine in the classroom," she said.

While many students were on the annual Survival camping trip, those who stayed in town spent the week practicing their skating, visiting Fort Phoenix, at laser tag and making boats.

Some of the activities may be less than academic but all involved opportunities for students to work together.

"There's a lot of bonding and a sense of community among the kids," said Gauvin. "It really is an opportunity for the kids to get together in a stress-free environment and work together. It sounds corny and cliche but it's true."

She added, "Hopefully, it gives them a stronger sense of our Old Rochester community."

For the cardboard boat race, students created their own teams, did their own engineering and assembled their boats at home. The only rules were that it must be made from cardboard and duct tape. Painting and decorating the boats was optional.

Usually the entire class participates, but snow days pushed back Survival and conflicted with the race.

The students who could participate were all looking to win.

The Boyant Oceanic Aquatic Transport, a bright red boat covered in painted hand prints, wasn't quite as seaworthy as its name suggested.

The crew, Meghan McCullough and Brianna Lynch, didn't make it too far off the pier before the boat overturned.

"My legs are numb. That's cold water," said McCullough as she made it back to shore.

With some engineering help from parents on shore, the girls were able to give the B.O.A.T. a second, and much more successful, trip.

The Banana Boat, on the other hand, was ready to set sail for Martha's Vineyard.

On it's first trip, the boat rounded the mark and returned to the pier in 1:15, several minutes faster than some other boats. On the second trip, the students were even faster with 1:10. The Star of the Sea, manned by Jack Lebrun and Paul Kippenberger came in next with a quick 1:50.

"We tried to make it hydro-aerodynamic at the same time as making it shaped like a banana," said Gwen Miedema, who paddled in sync with teammate Ruth Harris.

Student teacher Danielle Caron was impressed with the final boats, especially the yellow wonder.

"The Banana Boat was out of this world," she said. "This is a really big team building thing for everyone. They take it seriously."

Polly Lawrence, who stood in the water and helped keep the kids on the race route, said she loves seeing them on (and in) the water.

"Some kids never have the opportunity to be a part of anything on the ocean," said Lawrence.

Gauvin said the boat challenge as well as the whole week of activities fell in well with the school's goal to promote social and emotional wellness in students.

"I see friendships begin and strengthen," she said. "It's about team building."