Drone ship manufacturing and use

Building and motors

Lesson plan #4-5

ABOUT THE LESSON

Topic

Testing the boat in different water conditions

Duration

90 min

Goal(s) of the lesson

Students test their boat prototypes in real-world water conditions, analyze performance, and propose improvements based on test results.

The big idea behind the topic

Boats must operate under varying conditions – still vs. flowing water, waves, obstacles, and direction changes. Real-world testing provides feedback on motor strength, stability, manoeuvrability, and control. These lessons simulate real navigation challenges and help students think like engineers.

The aim is to get an idea of ​​how the built prototype behaves in the water, what are its characteristics, how well it handles control etc.

Results of the lesson

• Understand how environmental conditions affect boat movement
• Test boat capabilities in multiple scenarios (lake, river, sea, fountain, etc.)
• Identify technical limitations (e.g., power, motor control, stability)
• Suggest improvements to design or components

Competencies

Work methods, testing

Methods

Brainstorming, discussion, practical experiments

Connection with other modules

Testing can be done after electronics are added to the prototype.

At this stage of the autonomous boat project, it is crucial to have at least preliminary versions of all the devices and components that will be used on the boat. Only with these elements in place can the boat be effectively tested on water. This is because the boat's characteristics, such as stability, manoeuvrability, and overall behavior on water, can significantly change depending on the equipment installed.

Each component, whether it is the control system, sensors, data collection mechanisms, or additional modules, contributes to the overall weight, balance, and dynamics of the boat. Overlooking these factors can lead to inaccurate testing results and, consequently, incorrect conclusions about the boat's functionality and efficiency.

Therefore, integrating and testing all proposed components in real-world conditions is a key aspect of the development process. This will not only accurately determine how each element affects the boat's behavior but also identify potential problems and shortcomings that can be addressed before the final assembly and launch of the boat.

Relevance to the curriculum

Technology, engineering, physics

Stakeholder involvement

Pool, outside facilities, seaside, lake, river etc

EQUIPMENT AND MATERIALS NEEDED 
For 1 team of 5 students

STEP-BY-STEP ACTIVITIES

Introduction
(5 min)

Overview of the session. Explain that different water conditions require different strategies (e.g., river vs. lake). Why do we test?

Brainstorming
(10 min)

In groups, students list types of water bodies and discuss expected challenges (waves, currents, obstacles). Use the “Compare Water Environments” worksheet.

Testing and experiments
(60 min)

Discussion on the importance of applying theoretical knowledge to practical situations, particularly in engineering and design. Here’s an example playlist about Physics of docking. You can see some bits of it with students.

Real-world testing of theories regarding the length and shape of prototype parts, identification of current and structural problems and searching for solutions, possibly resolving on-site, otherwise recording a report for later repair.

Practical tasks in groups:

• Test straight movement in calm and flowing water
• Test rotation in place (tight space)
• Attempt upstream movement in a flow
• Encounter with obstacles: ropes, stones
• Analyze boat stability in wave-like or turbulent areas

Document results and take notes

Reflection &  Reports
(15 min)

Group discussion:

• What worked and what failed?
• What would improve control?
• Did battery/motor power matter?
• Record issues in a “bug report” for later fixing

Assessment

• Participation and collaboration
• Accurate recording of test outcomes
• Constructive feedback and problem-solving

Annexes

Sailtunities_Lesson 4-5_Presentation_EN

Annex 1. Worksheet for boat testing (see below)

Annex 2. Compare Water Environments

Annex 1. Worksheet for boat testing

Annex 2. Compare Water Environments 

Task: With your team, compare how different water environments might affect a boat’s movement, control, and stability. Fill in the table and answer the questions below.

PART 1: Water Environment Comparison Table

Check the level of difficulty, list challenges, and brainstorm how to overcome them.

PART 2: Discussion Questions

1. In which environment do you expect your boat to perform best? Why?
2. Which environment do you think will be the hardest? What risks are involved?
3. What could you add or change on your boat to help it perform better in water?

Erasmus+ KA2 Cooperation Partnerships project

Sailing Into Opportunities

No. 2023-1-LT01-KA220-SCH-000161306

sailtunities.gaminu.eu

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the national Agency. Neither the European Union nor the National Agency can be held responsible for them.