Marine Science Students Launch Two New Mini Boats Across the Atlantic
Marine Science Students Launch Two New Mini Boats Across the Atlantic
BMHS
Sophomore students in the BMHS Marine Science Academy are once again making waves, this time with the successful launch of two newly built miniboats destined for the Atlantic Ocean.
Led by science teacher Joe LaPrad, students designed and constructed two vessels, The Killer Whale and Booyah, while learning the fundamentals of naval architecture, engineering, and ocean science. The Killer Whale, painted in black and white, and Booyah, painted bright red, were recently delivered to The Bermuda International Shipping Company, where they will soon be cast into the Atlantic Ocean to begin their voyage.
The hands-on project gave students an opportunity to apply classroom concepts to a real-world challenge while developing teamwork, problem-solving, and engineering skills. During the delivery trip, students also toured the Bermuda Island cargo ship, which launched the miniboats on May 19 while on passage from Salem, NJ to Hamilton, Bermuda.
Students will also use real-time wind and ocean current data to track the mini boats and make predictions about where they may travel next throughout their journey. If either vessel makes landfall, the hope is to connect with the individuals who recover the boat and create an opportunity for cultural exchange. Through Educational Passages, those individuals can also receive support to relaunch the boats so their journeys can continue across the ocean.
Strong Partnerships Support Marine Science Exploration
The project is made possible through Brien McMahon’s continued partnership with Educational Passages, a nonprofit organization that connects students around the world through ocean exploration and miniboat building projects. Educational Passages provided troubleshooting support, technical guidance, and valuable industry connections throughout the process.
Brien McMahon students have already built and launched four previous mini boats through the program, including Conscriptus (Senator), which was recovered on the shores of Telavåg, Norway in 2023 after spending 255 days at sea. Following its recovery, the students who helped build the boat connected virtually with students in Norway as well as researchers from NORCE, the Norwegian Research Centre, to talk about the miniboat’s transatlantic journey.
Financial support also played a crucial role, with the Norwalk Seaport Association generously providing funding that directly covered the cost of one of the boats. Furthermore, the field trip and the upcoming boat launch would not have been possible without the vital support and involvement of Greg Henry of Voigt Maritime.
As The Killer Whale and Booyah begin their Atlantic crossing, students, families, and community members can follow their journeys online.
Track the miniboats here:
https://educationalpassages.org/events/bmhsmarine/
NPS Marine Science Pathway
Students in the Marine Science Pathway across Norwalk Public Schools are regularly participating in hands-on learning experiences and partnering with local organizations to better understand and protect their local environment.