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.
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.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
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.
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.
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.
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.