Ships and Boats

Ships and Boats

Introduction Ships and boats carry people and goods over water. Before cars, trains, or airplanes, boats were the fastest way to move things. Boats continue to get bigger and faster.

Early Ships and Boats The first boats were carved from single logs. People used poles to push the boats.

Other boats used paddles or oars. Paddles and oars are long pieces of wood with broad, flat ends. They push against the water, moving the boat forward.

Later, people made boats with wooden frames. They covered the frames with bark or animal skins.

Frame boats were larger than log boats. Many people could row at the same time. Some frame boats carried hundreds of rowers.