STEM Technology Challenge - Naval Innovation

High School Grades 9-12: STEM Technology Challenge - Naval Innovation: Teams or individuals will solve real-world challenges faced by the Navy, presenting their solutions and prototypes which may inspire the next generation of decision makers. Once complete, teams or individuals are encouraged to make a video documentary presentation about their work and send their video to education@navymemorial.org. If all requirements are met, teams or individuals may receive national recognition by the Navy Memorial and more.

Career and Technical Centers: Grades 9-12: STEM Naval Engineering Challenge: 

Lesson Plan: Naval Engineering Challenge

Subject: Integrated CTE Project (Drafting, Welding, Mechatronics, Machining, Engineering)

 Grade Level: 9-12

Project Overview: Students will collaborate in interdisciplinary teams to design and construct a floating vessel made of at least three metal sections, assembled without welding. The vessel must accommodate a maximum payload of bricks before submerging. This project simulates the complexities of large-scale naval engineering, emphasizing precision, buoyancy, and teamwork.

Learning Objectives:

  • Technical Skills: 

    • Apply drafting principles to create detailed vessel blueprints.

    • Utilize machining techniques to fabricate precise vessel components.

    • Employ mechanical fastening methods for secure assembly.

    • (Optional) Integrate mechatronics for propulsion and control systems.

    • (Optional) Incorporate welding for non-structural elements (e.g., mounting brackets).

  • Collaboration: 

    • Effectively communicate and coordinate tasks within interdisciplinary teams.

    • Problem-solve and compromise to achieve shared project goals.

  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: 

    • Apply engineering principles to optimize vessel design for buoyancy and stability.

    • Analyze and troubleshoot design flaws and construction challenges.

Project Phases:

  1. Design and Planning:

    • Research: Investigate naval architecture principles, buoyancy, stability, and modular construction methods.

    • Conceptualization: Brainstorm vessel designs, considering size, shape, and sectioning strategies.

    • Drafting: Produce detailed 2D and 3D models using CAD software (Drafting program).

    • Material Selection: Determine appropriate metal types and thicknesses (Engineering/Welding program input).

    • Collaboration: Regular meetings between Drafting, Engineering, and relevant fabrication programs (Welding, Machining) to ensure design feasibility and manufacturability.

2. Fabrication:

    • Machining: Produce precise vessel components based on CAD models (Machining program).

    • Welding (Optional): Fabricate non-structural components like mounting brackets or decorative elements (Welding program).

    • Mechanical Assembly: Utilize appropriate fastening techniques (bolts, screws, rivets) to join vessel sections (collaborative effort).

    • Quality Control: Continuous inspection and adjustment throughout the fabrication process.

3. Integration and Testing:

    • Mechatronics Integration (Optional): Install propulsion systems, lighting, and control mechanisms (Mechatronics program).

    • Buoyancy Testing: Conduct initial floatation tests in a controlled environment (e.g., school pool).

    • Payload Testing: Incrementally load the vessel with bricks to determine maximum capacity.

    • Refinement: Analyze test results and make necessary design or construction modifications.

4. Competition and Evaluation:

    • Final Payload Test: Conduct a formal competition to determine the vessel with the highest payload capacity.

    • Evaluation: Assess vessels based on payload capacity, design creativity, craftsmanship, and teamwork.

    • Presentation: Each team presents their design process, challenges, and solutions.

Assessment:

  • Individual: Evaluate student contributions to their specific program area (e.g., drafting accuracy, machining precision, welding quality).

  • Team: Assess overall project success (payload capacity, vessel design, teamwork effectiveness).

  • Presentation: Evaluate clarity, completeness, and professionalism of team presentations.

Materials and Resources:

  • Software: CAD software (e.g., AutoCAD, SolidWorks), optional programming software for mechatronics.

  • Materials: Sheet metal (aluminum, steel), fasteners (bolts, screws, rivets), optional electronic components for mechatronics.

  • Equipment: Machine tools (lathes, mills, etc.), welding equipment (optional), hand tools, measuring instruments, pool or water tank for testing.

Differentiation:

  • Advanced Learners: Encourage exploration of advanced design features (hydrodynamics, stability control systems) and fabrication techniques.

  • Struggling Learners: Provide additional support with drafting, machining, or assembly tasks, and pair them with more experienced students.

Extension Activities:

  • Research: Investigate historical and modern naval vessel designs.

  • Industry Connection: Invite guest speakers from shipbuilding or engineering fields.

  • Community Outreach: Showcase student projects at school events or local competitions.

Safety Considerations:

  • Enforce proper safety protocols for all equipment and tools.

  • Provide appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).

  • Supervise students closely during fabrication and testing phases.

Once complete, teams or individuals are encouraged to film their progress and send their video to education@navymemorial.org. If all requirements are met, teams or individuals may receive national recognition by the Navy Memorial and more.

To explore additional Sea Service Competitions, click each of the three seals below to learn the specific characteristics of the Sea Service Project, Engagement Challenge, and the Sea Service Video Challenge.