School Boat Shop Programs

ISEA’s Boat Shop Programs are designed to teach students STEM concepts using shop tools. Curriculum complements the Michigan Science Standards and can be easily modified for students in grades 4-12. 

Length:  2.5 hours
School fee:  $300 (Thanks to the generous support of our individual donors and foundations who subsidized the remaining cost.)
Size of group:  30 students

Spring Season:  May through Mid-June
Summer Season:  Late-June through August
Fall Season:  September through Mid-October

Morning Session:*  9:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Afternoon Session:*  1:45 p.m. – 4:45 p.m.

*Note:  Summer season programs have more flexibility in program timing than the spring and fall seasons. Please contact ISEA for summer program time options.


Schools have a choice between building view boxes or solar boats. Completed projects can be taken home by students and teachers.

View Boxes

This program provides students with the opportunity to work in small groups to build aquatic view boxes. These simple tools allow scientists to look into an aquatic environment to make observations of that aquatic ecosystem. Upon completion of their view boxes, students will test them out in a local stream or inlet. All completed view boxes may be kept by the class.

Solar Boats

During this program students will work as individuals to design and build their own solar boats. Instructors will discuss how different boat shapes may impact how they move or float. A discussion of solar and electrical energy will also be included as they attach small solar panels to their boats. Students are welcome to take their boats home with them upon completion of the program.


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