Lesson 1: Final Integration and Thruster Vectoring

How do we translate a 2D wiring diagram into a 3D physical layout on our frame?

What happens to the ROV's movement if the horizontal thrusters are not perfectly parallel?

Where is the "Stress Point" on the tether, and how can we protect our solder joints from being pulled?

Vectoring: The intentional orientation of thrusters to control the direction of thrust.

Thrust Offset: The distance between the line of thrust and the center of mass, which can cause unwanted rotation.

Strain Relief: A mechanical arrangement that protects the electrical connections from physical tension.

Yaw, Pitch, and Roll: The three types of rotation an ROV experiences in 3D space.

ITEEA STEL-7R: Apply a broad range of making and troubleshooting skills through hands-on activities.

NGSS HS-PS2-1: Analyze data to support the claim that Newton’s second law describes the relationship among net force, mass, and acceleration.

Description: This is the "Build Finale." Students take their waterproofed motors and mount them to the PVC frame. They must align the horizontal motors for forward/reverse/turning and the vertical motor for diving. Finally, they route the tether through the frame and apply zip-tie strain relief.

Purpose: To transform separate parts into a functional system and ensure that the physical mounting aligns with the electrical commands from the controller.

DOK Level: Level 4 (Extended Thinking). This is peak DOK 4. Students are not just following a kit manual; they must "synthesize" all previous units. If the motor leads were soldered too short, or the frame was built too wide, they must develop a unique solution to fix the "system-level" conflict. They are evaluating the relationship between thrust, weight, and structural integrity.

In this course, we recognize that students enter the lab with varying levels of technical experience. Our differentiation strategy employs a 'Scaffolded Autonomy' approach. We provide structured, step-by-step guidance for foundational concepts while offering open-ended, 'Design Challenge' extensions for advanced learners. By utilizing peer-mentorship models, diverse instructional media (visual, tactile, and digital), and flexible project pathways, we ensure every student can move from consumer to creator at their own pace.

The "Dry-Dock" Systems Check: A pass/fail rubric based on: 1. Parallelism: Horizontal motors are aligned to within $5^{\circ}$ of each other. 2. Cable Security: The tether is secured to the frame in at least three places, and a "Tug Test" proves no tension is reaching the motors. 3. Command Response: When powered on a stand, the "Left" command activates the correct motor to produce a left turn.