Project

Engineering a Cleaner Ocean

Intro

Students use SeaPerch, an underwater robotics program, to design and modify a remotely operated vehicle that targets, retrieves, and sorts aquatic debris such as plastic, aluminum, and iron. Applying concepts of density, magnetism, and filtration, students test and refine their designs in simulated underwater environments. Recovered materials become a collaborative recycled art installation, and students reflect on water conservation and the ethical impact of engineering decisions through literature, film, and writing.

Science Domains: Earth & Space Sciences, Engineering, Technology & Applications of Science, Physical Science

NGSS Standards: MS-ESS3-3, MS-ETS 1-3

Project Poster

Download the project poster as a PDF. The project poster includes a description of the challenge, learning goals, and a list of materials and references.

Download The Poster (PDF)

Learning Objectives

Students will be able to:

  • Define design criteria and constraints for an ROV that addresses ocean pollution.
  • Apply properties of matter, including density and magnetism, to sort and retrieve different materials.
  • Test, evaluate, and iteratively improve robot attachments using data from trials.
  • Evaluate how engineering decisions affect people and the environment, distinguishing scientific choices from ethical and social considerations.