GUIDING QUESTION: The host research vessel of our submersible was specially designed for easy deployment and retrieval of our submersible. Standard operation for submersibles on many vessels is to use a crane to lift it over the side or the stern of the vessels. Our host vessel has what is called a 'wet porch' or a 'moon well.' This is a door in the bottom of the vessel, which is opened for our submersible to be lowered through. Why does the host research vessel remain afloat on the sea surface when the door is opened up to deploy or retrieve our submersible?

Listening, reading, writing, math, critical thinking, decision making, problem solving, visualization, ability to learn, reasoning, responsibility, self-esteem, sociability, self-management, flexibility.

Boat and ship hull design for various uses, concept of buoyancy, gravity, displacement, trouble shooting/problem solving, working under little supervision,

Introduce students to basic scientific concepts of hull design.

Introduce students to basic technical concepts related to hull design.

Introduce careers related to marine technology, including ship and submersible designers, technicians, and operators.

Students will:

Define buoyancy in their own words.

Define gravity in their own words.

Define displacement in their own words.

Define neutral buoyancy in their own words.

Describe the relation of buoyancy and gravity as it affects flotation.

Describe the basic differences in hull designs (planing, displacement, and submersible) and the industry reasoning for them.

Grades: 4-12 and post secondary

Aluminum foil: 1' per team

Duct tape: 1' per team

Sheet of paper: 1 per team

Dishpan or tank for water

Water

1 & 2 ounce fishing weights (totaling approximately 35-40 ounces)

Scissors

Rulers

BACKGROUND REFERENCES OR RELATED WEB SITES:

ROV Module designed by MATE summer workshop participants.

45 minutes to 2 hours depending on age and depth of content

This activity can be used initially as a contest and followed up by a discussion of the basic concepts involved. An opening discussion of various boat hull designs and the particular use for each is a good lead into this as well. The class can work as individuals or be broken up into teams depending on age and class size.

1. Each team sends a representative to measure and cut 1' sheet of aluminum foil, 1' piece of duct tape, and a sheet of paper.
2. Using the materials provided each team designs a hull which will both float, and hold the most weight. Each team should also come up with an appropriate name for their vessel.
3. Test each vessel one at a time to see if it will float. The team members then place the weights, one at a time, onto their vessel wherever they choose until the vessel sinks.
4. Record the amount of weight each vessel held successfully before sinking. The vessel that holds the most weight wins.

1. Discuss the teams various hull shapes. Which one worked best? Why?
2. Discuss the various hull shapes found throughout the marine industry. What is the difference between a planing hull and a displacement hull? Why are certain hull shapes and designs used
3. Discuss the basic physics involved with flotation. What is gravity? What is buoyancy? What is displacement?

1. Students will document the shape and hull design they used for the initial buoyancy challenge. Why? Did it work well for holding a lot of weight?
2. Students will define in their own words the concepts of gravity, buoyancy and displacement. How does each work to affect the flotation of a vessel or submersible? Why is it important to understand the basic physics behind flotation?
3. Students will describe the different types of hull designs and shapes. What is the difference between a planing hull and a displacement hull? Why are vessel hulls shaped differently? Give 3 examples of specific vessels and the reasons behind their specific hull design or shape.
4. Students will record the hull shape and design they would use if asked to take the Buoyancy Challenge again? Why?

The Buoyancy Challenge

3-vessel floated and held an average amount of weight

2-vessel floated and held minimal weight

1-vessel floated and held no weight

0- no participation

Technical writing

4-answered all questions. Grammar, structure and content excellent

3-answered all questions. Grammar, structure, content needs some work.

2-answered some questions. Grammar, structure, content needs some work

1-answered few questions. Grammar, structure, content needs lots of work

0-no participation

ROV Module MATE summer workshop participants.

Please be sure to attach any figures or drawings.