How do you make a raft with just tape and straws to hold 50 pennies?

Answer 1

I would first make sure that the ends of the straws are blocked off - that way they will contain air and will be bouyant. The simplest way to do this would probably be to fold over and inch on each end and then tape it down by wrapping a piece of tape around the straw. Assuming that you have made your bouyant straws the same length, you should be able to place several straws next to each other vertically, and then tape them to a horizontal straw at the top and another at the bottom. A couple of loops across the middle will keep the vertical straws from separating. This will keep the coins afloat, although not necessarily dry. Note that pennies dated 1983 or later will be a bit lighter than those dated 1981 or earlier (both types were made in 1982).