Underwater Robots

Lessons

These selected lessons were developed by scientists and educators to demonstrate key concepts related to Underwater Robots. For more lessons, search the full OceanExplorer.NOAA.gov lesson archive.

Older lessons are aligned to the National Science Education Standards and newer lessons support the Next Generation Science Standards  (and their associated Common Core Standards). All lessons from 2006 to the present also support the Ocean Literacy Essential Principles and Fundamental Concepts . Note: The links provided in lessons are verified at the time of publication, but over time, may change or become obsolete.

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6-8 9-12

Grades 6-8

Simple Machines - Robot Building Blocks

Focus: Engineering Design (Technology)

Students practice the engineering design process to develop a working manipulator arm for a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV). Through the design process, students explore how simple machines are combined and used to develop complex systems, like manipulator arms. Students also develop a hydraulic actuator, to convert energy into motion for their designs.

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Which Robot When

Focus: Matching underwater robot designs to mission tasks (Technology)

Students learn about the variety of underwater robots that are used for ocean exploration and the technical capabilities that differentiate them from one another. Students analyze several mission scenarios and apply their knowledge of underwater robots to figure out which robot is best suited for the task.

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Grades 9-12

Designing a Scientific ROV

Focus: Engineering Design (Technology)

Students explore the process of engineering a scientific remotely operated vehicle (ROV) from concept to launch. Students identify the engineering challenges and design solutions for developing Schmidt Ocean Institute’s ROV Subastian.

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The above items are only a selection of the educational materials highlighting underwater robots on our website.

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