Fluid Mechanics Part 4: The Power of the Atlantic Salmon

Involving themes of biology, ecology, and conservation, this engineering lesson introduces students to the behavior of immersed bodies within the realm of fluid mechanics. Utilizing the phenomena of the Atlantic Salmon run in the Scottish Highlands, this lesson allows students to apply knowledge of biological relationships as well as natural resource conservation. In a hands-on activity, students will design a watercraft that will be used for tourists to travel up natal streams of the Atlantic Salmon to witness the spawn. In doing this, students will need to apply newly learned concepts of aerodynamic drag, surface friction, as well as the many other mechanical and environmental stresses that make the Atlantic Salmon's journey so difficult.