INFORMATION

Hovercraft Project

Our Computer Aided Design and Drawing II class would like to enter the Hoverclub of America Inc. Contest in May of 2010. In order to do this we’ll: design, test, engineer, and build a craft that meets race standards and completes a successful race in the competition. For this we are in need of financial and logistical support from our school /community. Our goals entail communicating with local businesses, community organizations, and families to find mentors and aid in purchasing materials for our project. We’ll begin to design and test hovercrafts in December and begin construction in January of 2009.
 * __PROPOSAL SYNOPSIS__**

This project introduces students to real-world projects and business situations. During this project we’ll experience: Communication within schools, communities, and local businesses, applications of math, science, and English, and practice/development in designing, drafting, and engineering. We’d like to participate in this competition for innovation purposes and to develop a mechanical mentality.
 * __NEED FOR PROJECT__**

Styrofoam ($48/plank) Plywood ($22/sheet) Epoxy resin ($34.95/qt.) 6oz. Fiberglass Cloth ($4/yard) 3.25oz. Fiberglass Cloth ($5.25/yard) TOTAL:
 * __PROPOSED BUDGET__**

Through this project of completing a working hovercraft that will be able to efficiently compete in the Hoverclub of America race in May 2010, we will be able to expand our knowledge in the CADD software programs and use practical acuity to apply it to technology. As juniors and seniors, we’ll use this grant applied to our classrooms to create a hovercraft made of Styrofoam, epoxy, plywood, and fiberglass resin with a 15hp engine. We will also be learning about controlling finances and developing relationships with our community. The engineering and manipulating of materials that we’ll be doing will help us with our possible future careers. We will also be learning blueprint reading, physics, and aerodynamics. We could tie the physics aspect in with our Physics class. The Hovercraft project will comply with NYS learning standards such as 1, 4, 5, 6, and 7 below.
 * __PROJECT DESCRIPTION AND CONNECTION TO LEARNING STANDARDS__**

1: Students will use mathematical analysis, scientific inquiry, and engineering designs to pose questions, seek answers, and develop solutions.

4: Students will understand and apply scientific concepts, principles, and theories pertaining to the physical setting.

5: Students will apply technological knowledge and skills to design, construct, use, and evaluate products and systems to satisfy human and environmental needs.

6: Students will understand the relationships and common themes connecting mathematics, science, and technology and apply the themes to these and other areas of learning.

7: Students will apply the knowledge and thinking skills of mathematics, science, and technology to address real-life problems and make informed decisions.

The approximate number of students participating this activity will be between 15 and 20. This project will impact our class by teaching us the specifics on how to assemble a hovercraft or other assemblies as well as showing us how the parts of the hovercraft work together to get the craft to move forward, backwards and also hover. Our class will share our project with the rest of our colleagues by having a demonstration of the hovercraft and pictures of us creating it.
 * __IMPACT ON TEACHING AND LEARNING__**

LINKS TO HOVERCRAFT SITES [|WIKIPEDIA] [|HOVERCRAFT CLUB OF AMERICA]