ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Paddle steamer

A paddle steamer is like a really big boat that moves in the water using large, flat paddles at the back of the boat. It looks like a giant duck paddling its feet in the water! The paddles are turned by a special engine that uses steam, which is like really hot water that makes the engine go.

The boat was first invented a long time ago, before there were big engines that could move it with gasoline or other fuels. People had to figure out how to use the power of steam to make the boat move.

When the paddle steamer moves through the water, it makes big waves called a wake. Sometimes people would have parties on the boat and enjoy the ride while watching the waves. It was like a big, fun floating playground!

Nowadays, we have faster, more efficient ways to move boats in the water so paddle steamers are not used as much anymore. But they're still really cool to see and learn about!