Let’s go underwater
Maritime, Aerospace, Renewable Energies Technology Cluster FVG
Reference Teacher: External expert TBC
Teacher(s): External expert
The primary objective of the course is to approach the topic of marine robotics through the “learning by doing” teaching methodology. This 7-month course will involve students’ construction of a small-scale marine drone (autonomous surface vehicle) and acquisition of piloting skills in a real-world environment. At the end of the activity, students will be involved in a drone skills competition
Secondary school: please note that although the course will be implemented in secondary schools, as foreseen in the project proposal, it can be replicated in the future also for life-long learning schemes.
By the end of the course, students will understand the fundamental principles of marine robotics, including the design and functionality of autonomous surface vehicles. Students will gain a solid understanding of the theoretical aspects of drone navigation and control systems.
Students will be able to apply their knowledge by constructing and programming a small-scale marine drone. Moreover, they will demonstrate the ability to pilot an autonomous surface vehicle in a real-world environment.
Students will develop the ability to critically evaluate the performance of their marine drones and make informed decisions to improve design and functionality. They will be capable of assessing the environmental and technical challenges in marine drone operation and propose viable solutions.
Students will be able to effectively communicate with experts in marine robotics. They will collaborate in teams to build and pilot their drones, enhancing their teamwork and communication skills.
Students will cultivate independent learning skills by engaging in hands-on projects and self-directed research to solve complex problems related to marine robotics. They will develop the ability to continuously improve their knowledge and skills in marine robotics through iterative testing and refinement of their drone designs.
Familiarity with computer science and electronics; access to a laboratory where drones can be built.
The course utilizes a “learning by doing” methodology to immerse students in the practical aspects of marine robotics through a combination of lectures, hands-on activities, field experiences, and competitive event.
N/A
The course will address the following content:
– Marine robotics
– Functions and types of drones
– Present and future application areas
– Design challenges
– Ecological and critical knowledge of the marine environment
The expected learning outcomes can contribute to the achievements of; Goal 9: Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation; Goal 14: Life below water – Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources.
The course can be activated upon direct request by secondary school teachers. The timeline and details of delivery will be defined upon request. Contact: Flavia Fortin, email: comunicazione@marefvg.it
Lectures to be held in the classroom by external trainers (to be contracted), aimed at introducing students to design issues (physics, mechanics, electronics and controls) of autonomous surface vehicles and at providing an overview of their use.
Each class will be provided with material kits and an instruction manual, allowing students to assemble and programme the drones. During the first period of the activity, students will make the drone and the electronic component of the craft, while in the second period they will be responsible for programming the software to operate it.
Experiential field activity (location to be determined) during which drones will be used, with the involvement of marine science researchers, to recognize marine biocoenosis and to investigate ecological issues.
Gaming/educational activity comparing different vehicle achievements developed by the participating classes or institutes in the project, which will compete in a drone skills competition as part of a dedicated event (venue to be determined).
A manual will be provided by the external experts at the beginning of the course.
Besides this, the following training materials will be provided:
- List of materials and components for drone construction
- Wiring diagrams for propulsion, command and control
- Codes for software