In this course, students build a small SeaCreatures BottleBoat from recycled plastic bottles, a fan, and a creature-shaped SeaTail rudder (dolphin, mermaid, dragon, or their own design in Tinkercad). They also build a motorized floor deck with wheels that uses the same micro:bit “brain”, so the boat can be turned into a simple car by swapping the bottom deck. The same micro:bit program runs both boat and car, helping students see how the “brain” can stay the same while the mechanics change.
Students will:
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Explore Archimedes’ law in an easy way: mark the waterline, relate it to boat weight, and make simple weight calculations.
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Understand that rudder on water ≈ steering on a car, and propeller on water ≈ wheel motors on the floor, using one shared micro:bit program.
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Use two micro:bits (vehicle + handheld remote) and learn to program a simple remote-controlled boat/car with radio communication.
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Work with ready-made Tinkercad 3D models: see how parts were created, modify them, and 3D print their own SeaTails and other parts.
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Optionally use a laser cutter for selected flat parts instead of 3D printing, comparing both fabrication methods.
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Practice a basic engineering cycle (build → test → observe → improve) and simple 3D design by sketching and combining shapes to create their own SeaCreature rudders.
The course is designed for 5th–6th grade STEM / science / technology classes. Ready-to-use micro:bit programs are included, with optional steps for students to modify and extend the code and the 3D models.