Another Way to Teach Hovercrafts
General Summary Of Unit:
In this engaging unit, students will have the exciting opportunity to design, fabricate, and test their own powered hovercraft. This hands-on project integrates S.T.E.M. content, providing a comprehensive learning experience. Through the design engineering process, students will create and assemble the rudder system and propulsion propeller safety shield. This unit not only offers students the chance to build a powered hovercraft but also encourages critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork. By actively engaging in the design and testing phases, students will develop a deep understanding of engineering principles while honing their creativity and technical skills. Get ready for an exhilarating exploration of the design engineering process with the Powered Hovercraft project!
Skills students need or will develop:
Professional Knowledge: Students will improve their understanding of Newton’s 3 laws of motion and learn to solder
Critical thinking: Students will engage in problem-solving and decision-making as they design and troubleshoot the rudder system and propulsion propeller safety shield.
Technical skills: Students will gain hands-on experience in fabricating and assembling components, such as motors, propellers, and electrical circuits.
Collaboration: Students will work in teams, fostering effective communication, cooperation, and division of tasks to successfully build and test the powered hovercraft.
Goals For A Final Project:
The general goal of this unit is for students to apply STEM knowledge and skills to design, build, and test a powered hovercraft. Through hands-on exploration and problem-solving, students will develop their critical thinking abilities and gain practical experience in engineering principles.
Teacher Notes: great activity for students who learn about circuits, aerodynamics, with emphasis on problem-solving skills.
Materials Needed
Power Pole from Kelvin
Power Pole
Power Pole Supply
12 Hot glue guns and 30 Glue sticks Glue guns and sticks
Project Motor, 3V-6V Motors
Amazon Props Propellers
Propeller Set of 8 - 3" Dia., 3 Blades Propeller Set of 8
Black Wire Black Wire - 100 Ft
Red Wire Red Wire - 100 Ft
50 pack cups Cups
Meat Trays Trays
Wire Cutters Wire Cutters
Box Cutters Box Cutters
Clam Shell containerContainer
Styrofoam cups and trays, Costco.
Task 1: Intro to Hovercraft
1-2 days
Task 2: Investigation and understanding.
1-2 days
Bring In Materials
Utilize the Design Process Engineering Notebook
Task 3 - Inquiry and innovation / 21st skills
1-2 days
Task 4 - Voice and Choice.
5-7 Days
Hovercraft Investigation (Assign in classroom, recommended as 2 person activity)
Finals will be at the CTE Tech Fair: Final Competition
Investigation Template (Teachers make a copy of this for each of your classes. You will provide one copy for the entire class so they can all edit it)
IMPORTANT: In a pbl setting you should provide students choice, so you should encourage them to bring in their own material to build their hovercraft: Plates, different types of plastic or Styrofoam, cardboard, or anything else.
Check for understanding:
Google Slide or Pear Deck
Hovercraft Kahoot
Tech Fair Event Guidelines
Hover Craft Construction
Old Resources
Lesson Plan
Hovercraft Wiring (PDF)
Basic Electric
Concept Quiz
Text and Review Question
For Teachers Eyes only GENERIC CONSTRUCTION: Do not want to share this or you will have 20 the same→ NOT A PBL UNIT.
For Teachers Eyes Only or Struggling Students