The Gulf Stream Voyage: Using Real Time Data in the Classroom

This paper describes the Gulf Stream Voyage, an Internet-based multidisciplinary project which utilizes both real time data and primary source materials to help guide students to discover the science and history of the Gulf Stream. There are several advantages of using real time data in the classroom, including: the infusion of inquiry-based learning; fostering problem solving skills; addressing several learning styles; and student relevance. Educational levels: Graduate or professional

A simple ROV project for the engineering classroom

Abstract-Underwater robotics projects offer an excellent medium for discovery based engineering and science learning. The challenge of building underwater robotic vehicles and manipulators engages and stimulates students while encompassing a very broad spectrum of engineering disciplines and scientific concepts. This paper describes the successful design and implementation of student projects, building wire guided remotely operated underwater vehicles (ROVs) with motorized grabbers. This work is part of an ongoing effort to incorporate innovative, hands on projects into our freshman engineering curriculum. These projects help expose students to practical design issues in the freshman year, foster creative problem solving skills and may aid student retention on engineering programs. These projects have also been successfully piloted in pre-college programs, aimed at generating interest in engineering careers among high school students. We describe ongoing work to extend these projects to include computer control and sensory feedback, allowing students to develop autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs). Further, we outline ongoing work to assess the effectiveness of these modules

Using Underwater Robotics in the Engineering Classroom

Underwater robotics projects offer an excellent medium for discovery based engineering and science learning. The challenge of building underwater robotic vehicles and manipulators engages and stimulates students while encompassing a broad spectrum of engineering disciplines and scientific concepts. This paper describes an ongoing effort, at Stevens Institute of Technology, to incorporate such projects into the engineering curriculum. We report the successful design and implementation of student projects, building wire guided remotely operated underwater vehicles (ROVs) with motorized grabbers. We also describe ongoing work to extend these projects to include computer control and sensory feedback, allowing students to develop autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs). The effectiveness of these modules for teaching fundamental engineering skills will be independently assessed in accordance with established educational theory. Target Audience: High School Faculty/Administrators, 2-4 Year College Faculty/Administrator