TRAVERSE CITY WORKSHOP FIELD GUIDE
From Workbench to Water: Students Build and Pilot ROVs off Discovery Pier
A 2.5-hour Inland Seas workshop in Traverse City where student teams design and build remotely operated vehicles and pilot a professional-grade ROV to observe and help protect freshwater environments.
From Workbench to Water: Students Build and Pilot ROVs off Discovery Pier.
Adventure brief
From Workbench to Water: Students Build and Pilot ROVs off Discovery Pier
Remotely operated vehicles are changing how we observe and protect lakes and coastal waters. In this hands-on ROV Engineer & Explore program students collaborate in teams to design and build ROVs for mission tasks, then maneuver a professional-grade ROV to explore underwater environments—learning engineering practices and gaining exposure to careers in marine technology and freshwater protection.
Experience an exciting journey into underwater technology with the ROV Registration program offered by Inland Seas Education Association in Traverse City, Michigan. Designed for students and curious minds, this hands-on adventure allows participants to collaborate closely with experts to design, build, and operate their own remotely operated vehicles (ROVs). The program combines engineering principles with marine science, creating an engaging learning environment that inspires innovation and environmental awareness. Situated in the Great Lakes region, this activity offers not just technical challenges but also a unique chance to connect with local water ecosystems and understand their importance. Participants develop critical skills in electronics, problem-solving, and teamwork while gaining appreciation for freshwater conservation. Whether you're a student or an educator, this immersive program opens doors to STEM careers and fosters a commitment to protecting our precious water bodies.
Route Schematic
Program flow and stops
A compact sequence of orientation, hands-on construction, mission work, and live ROV observation stages.
Orientation & Safety Brief
Students gather for program orientation, learn mission objectives, and prepare for team work.
Team Design & Build
Teams design and construct ROVs to meet specific mission requirements, applying engineering practices and collaborative problem-solving.
Field Test & ROV Operation
Participants maneuver a professional-grade ROV to observe and explore the underwater environment, testing designs and collecting observations.
Debrief & Career Connections
Wrap-up discussion links the day’s technical work to freshwater protection and marine-technology career paths.
This is a structured, hands-on field-trip program for student groups; confirm scheduling and any program-specific safety details with the operator.
What the day feels like
What the program feels like
Over a focused 2.5-hour session students move from briefing to build to field test: teams plan and assemble ROVs for assigned missions, then transfer those ideas to the water when they operate a professional ROV and observe submerged environments, tying technical learning to conservation and career pathways.
THE TECH
How ROVs Extend Human Reach
ROVs enable visual assessment of underwater areas that are otherwise unreachable or hazardous, increasing efficiency and accuracy for inspection and scientific observation—tools the program uses to demonstrate real-world marine technology applications.
THE SKILLS
Hands-on Engineering in Team Contexts
Students collaborate to design and build ROVs to complete set missions, developing engineering practices, teamwork, and problem-solving through project-based work.
THE FIELD TEST
Pilot a Professional-Grade ROV
Participants not only build prototype vehicles but also get time with a professional-grade ROV to observe and explore the underwater environment—connecting workshop work to real-world observation and freshwater protection.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this workshop is for—and who should consider other options.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Total cost is $300. A $50 non-refundable deposit reserves your field trip date; the remaining balance is due 30 days prior to the experience.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
Where does the ROV program take place?
The program takes place at Discovery Pier, 13271 S W Bay Shore Drive, Traverse City, MI 49684; it does not take place at the Suttons Bay building.
How long is the program and when does it start?
The program runs 2.5 hours and you can choose a start time of either 9:15 AM or 1:45 PM.
How many students can participate?
The program can accommodate up to approximately 30 students.
What will students do during the workshop?
Students collaborate in teams to design and build ROVs to complete missions and also maneuver a professional-grade ROV to observe and explore the underwater environment.
What are the costs and reservation terms?
The total cost is $300; a $50 non-refundable deposit reserves the field trip date, and the remaining balance is due 30 days before the program.
What learning outcomes can teachers expect?
Participants engage with engineering practices, learn how technology can help observe and protect water bodies—connecting technical skills to freshwater protection and potential career paths.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-09-05T19:27:10.448Z
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Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.