Motion in the ocean 7-11
Currently, only 5% of the ocean has been explored - this is due to several factors including the hostile conditions in the depths of the ocean. The United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development 2021-2030 provides inspiration to consider how human behaviours impact on underwater worlds, and how engineers are finding solutions to improve humanity’s relationship with the ocean. In these sessions, learners explore how engineers are developing robotics to explore, research and operate within our oceans. They engage in the ask-imagine-make process to create mechanical systems, closely examining nature to incorporate biomimicry into their designs.
Ethical Explorers - should we leave it or learn from it?
Learners are introduced to deep sea explorations and discuss why it is so difficult to explore. They consider the ethics of ocean exploration. They consider the conditions and identify how specific creatures are suited to living in this environment. They will apply this understanding by designing a creature to live in the depths of the ocean and identify its adaptations.
Underwater Robots, inspired by nature
Learners are introduced to the design challenge and compile a design specification based on their understanding of the environment. They are introduced to biomimicry and identify how nature can inspire to solve specific problems and explore the different ways sea creatures move. They use their knowledge to design a robot that can move underwater and collect samples from the sea floor.
Marine Makeathon
Learners respond to a design brief and make a mechanical grabber that could be fitted on a marine robot. They apply their understanding of levers and linkages to create prototype and improve the design in response to evaluation and testing.
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015, provide a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future. These sessions support Goal 14 which aims to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development.
Explore other challenges or take this challenge to another age group.
Attend webinars or contact the campaign team to support delivery.
Download classroom resources and watch videos to support learner engineering skills.
