Building an Underwater Robot or ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle) is a simple hands on project that you can do with students of all ages. I have been building underwater robots for 7 years now, ranging in complexity. My students have built a variety of control systems ranging from the use of Arduino Micro controllers to double pull double throw switches with relays. No matter the skill or difficulty level, building a ROV with your students is sure to engage and stimulate creativity in your class room. For years I have been sharing this project with teachers from across the state, whether it was an invitation to build one at my school over the weekend, writing articles in the Interface, or teaching a break out session at the WTEA Conference. I believe this project is awesome, simple and anyone can do it for a minimal budget.
This interest lead to the discussion of hosting an official high tech weekend to allow some teachers who are serious about building a ROV, and
want to gain more knowledge and experience an opportunity to get together for a few days to actually build their own. In partnership with the WTEA, LakeView Technology Academy will be hosting a High Tech Weekend to design and build ROV’s with teachers from across the state. During the two day training teachers will design, build and test an Underwater Robot of their own design. Plans, sample ROV’s, materials and equipment will all be included in the training. By the end of the training, you will leave with sample curriculum, plans and confidence to build your own ROV with your students in class. You will also get to keep the ROV you built to bring back to school to get your program going. The ROV being built at this training will utilize four motors simply controlled by four switches. This triaing will not go over controlling an ROV with a Micro Controller. However there will be multiple ROV’s on display that are controlled by micro-controllers.
Across the state there are various competitions related to Underwater Robots. Sea Perch is an organization who partnered with the Navy and MIT to create a simple kit for middle and high school students to build in the class room to then compete with at various competitions. MATE, or Marie Advanced Teaching Education, also host an annual conference in partnership with University of Wisconsin Milwaukee where students design and build their own robot rather than a kit. Both Competitions offer an opportunity to take your underwater robot to the next level and compete against other schools.
When: Friday November 30 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 pm Saturday December 1 8:00 a.m. till 6:00 p.m.
Cost: $275.00. This covers the cost of materials for the ROV, dinner on Friday and lunch on Sat. Pay your fees to the WTEA by check, School Purchase Order, or credit card.
Click here for a copy of the schedule for Friday/Saturday.
Feel free to email me directly at mjschult@kusd.edu if you have any questions.
Don’t delay, seats are limited.Sign up to reserve your spot.
Matthew J. Schultz
Technology and Engineering Instructor
Fuel Efficient Vehicle (SMV) Adviser
Underwater Robot Club (ROV) Mentor
Skills USA Co-Adviser
WTEA Secretary/Treasurer
Lakeview Technology Academy
Pleasant Prairie WI, 53143
Phone: 262-359-8155