ISG Jubail Students Dive into Industrial Innovation with 3D Printing to Create the Fastest Boat

In an exciting and hands-on industrial innovation class, middle school students had the opportunity to put their creativity and engineering skills to the test. Under the guidance of their teacher, Mr. David Treska, the students embarked on a project to design the fastest and most efficient boat using 3D printers. This project was an exercise in design and an integration of math, physics and practical problem-solving.

The process began with traditional pencil and paper, where students sketched out their boat ideas and then created a presentation for the class. This brainstorming session allowed everyone to explore various concepts and receive feedback from both peers and Mr. Treska. After gathering ideas, the students transitioned to the digital world, using 3D design software to bring their visions to life.

Much like little engineers, the students experimented with different digital designs, printing and testing multiple versions of their boats. They fine-tuned their creations by adjusting boat sizes, shapes and angles, often making modifications after each test. The boats were powered by elastic bands, a unique challenge that required students to apply their knowledge to optimize performance.

Through trial and error, the students gained valuable insights into the iterative process of design—where failure is just another step toward improvement. By the end of the project, they had a boat that met their expectations and a deeper understanding of how design and science intersect. 

In the end, students competed by racing their boats in a small pool to see which one could reach the finish line the fastest. This project was an immersive learning experience that blended creativity with real-world engineering principles, preparing students for future challenges in design and technology.