Grade Levels: 5th - 12th
Estimated Time Blocks: 1-2 hour sessions
- Day 1: Introduction to Circuits and Concept Ideation
- Day 2: Paper Prototyping and Finalizing Design
- Day 3-4: Cardboard Construction and Iterative Testing
- Optional Day 5: Introduction to 3D Modeling (if applicable)
- Day 6-8: 3D Design and Printing (or skip to final testing if 3D modeling is not available)
- Day 9: Final Testing and Evaluation
Electronics:
- Price: $11.44
- Price: $5.99
Choose one or more fans:
- 120x120x25mm 12V Fan (2 Pack)
- Price: $12.99
- Price: $12.99
- Price: $10.99
- Price: $5.99
Prototyping Materials:
- Paper (for initial concept)
- Zip ties
- Glue (regular and super glue)
- Cardboard
- Tape (duct or masking)
Optional Advanced Tools:
- 3D modeling software (Blender, Tinkercad)
- 3D printer and filament
Testing:
- Bucket, tub, or large container for water testing
For the small computer fans, you will need to carefully remove the white casing covering the wires to expose the metal ends. This will allow the students to connect the wires to the 9V battery using either copper tape or alligator clips. Make sure to handle the wires gently to avoid damage.
Objective: Understand basic circuits and introduce boat design principles.
1. Introduction to Circuits (Day 1):
a. Begin with a review of basic circuits. Demonstrate how to create a simple circuit using a 9V battery, copper tape, and an LED. Watch this video on How Electricity works to get a better understanding of how to build a circuit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mc979OhitAg&t=120s
b. Show how to connect the battery to the fan using alligator clips or copper tape. Discuss the importance of correct polarity (positive and negative terminals).
c. Activity: Have students practice making a basic circuit using copper tape and a small LED. You can find a great activity on how to get started with basic circuits here: https://www.instructables.com/Paper-Circuits
2. Concept Ideation (Day 1):
a. Discuss what makes boats float and how a fan can propel them forward. Introduce key concepts such as balance, hull shape, and propulsion. Watch the following videos to get a better concept of the topics:
- How Do Ships Float: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w3jreuX_7HI
- How Do Airboats Work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-2bxCgLujl4&t=160s
- Types of Boat Hulls: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VaZC0aMLOkQ&t=621s
b. Students sketch multiple designs on paper, labeling where the fan, battery, and wiring will go.
c. Teacher Tip: Encourage students to explore different hull shapes (e.g., flat-bottom, V-shaped) and experiment with different placements for the fan and battery.
Objective: Create an initial model of the boat design.
1. Paper Prototype Construction (Day 2):
a. Using paper, glue, zip ties, and copper tape, students build a basic prototype of their boat design.
b. Attach the fan using zip ties and use copper tape to create a circuit connecting the battery to the fan.
c. Challenge: Ask students to explain their design choices and how the fan will propel their boat.
Objective: Build a more durable version using cardboard and conduct iterative testing.
1. Cardboard Boat Building (Day 3):
a. Cut and shape cardboard pieces based on the paper prototype design.
b. Use tape and glue to assemble the boat, ensuring it is watertight and structurally sound.
c. Attach a small platform for the fan using zip ties or tape, and secure the battery with copper tape.
2. Circuit Assembly (Day 4):
a. Use copper tape to create a circuit from the battery to the fan, ensuring a clean and easy connection.
b. Secure the connections with copper tape or alligator clips for stability.
3. Testing and Iteration (Day 4):
a. Test the boat in a large bucket or tub of water.
b. Connect the battery to power the fan and observe the boat's movement. Make adjustments to the hull shape, fan placement, or weight distribution as needed.
c. Allow students to create multiple prototypes, refining their design with each iteration.
(Teachers can omit this section if 3D modeling and printing are not available.)
Objective: Refine the boat design using 3D modeling software.
1. Introduction to 3D Modeling (Day 5):
- Introduce students to basic 3D modeling tools like Blender or Tinkercad.
- Teach simple techniques for creating boat hulls and fan mounts.
2. 3D Boat Design (Days 6-8 each):
- Students model their boat design based on lessons learned from cardboard prototypes.
- Include a secure spot for the fan and battery, and optimize the hull design for buoyancy.
3. 3D Printing (Ongoing over 1-3 weeks):
- Print the boats using a 3D printer. This process will vary based on the number of students and available 3D printers.
Objective: Test the final design and evaluate performance.
1. Final Assembly (Day 9):
a. Attach the fan and battery to the 3D-printed or final cardboard boat using copper tape or alligator clips.
b. Ensure all components are securely attached and water-resistant.
2. Testing:
a. Place the boat in the water and connect the battery to power the fan.
b. Experiment with different fan angles and battery placements to optimize movement.
3. Evaluation:
a. Reflect on the most successful designs and what made them effective.
b. Discuss the iterative design process and the scientific principles involved.
Reflection Questions for Students:
- How did your design change throughout the different stages of building?
- What factors had the greatest impact on the boat's movement and stability?
- How did using copper tape help simplify your circuit?
- If you could start over, what would you change about your design?
Additional Notes for Teachers:
- Start Simple: If this project seems too complex, consider beginning with a basic circuit-building activity (e.g., creating simple LED circuits using copper tape) to introduce students to basic electronics.
- Time Management: Allow extra time for cardboard testing, as students may need multiple iterations to perfect their design.
- Testing: A large bucket, tub, or small pool is required for testing the boats.
- 3D Design Flexibility: If 3D modeling is not feasible, skip the 3D printing stage and focus on refining cardboard prototypes.
- Copper Tape: Copper tape is an easy and affordable tool for building circuits, making this project accessible and educational for students.
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