3D Printing on E/V Nautilus

Have you ever wondered how scientists and engineers get the parts they need to keep an expedition and the remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) running while at sea? There are no stores in the middle of the ocean… The answer is, we MAKE them!  When buying something new isn’t possible, the easiest way to get a replacement part can be to print designs ourselves our of fibers using our onboard 3D printer. 

This activity introduces students to how 3D printing is used to solve problems and improve exploration at sea. Along with a series of custom-printable samples and onboard tools for printing in your school, this lesson challenges students to envision designs they want to create to solve problems or advance ocean technology like ROV Hercules.