No Screens, No Problem: Why Kids Learn Better When They’re Building Hovercrafts Instead of Watching Them
Welcome to the Future of STEM… Without the Screens
Let’s be honest: most kids today can troubleshoot your Wi-Fi before they can spell “photosynthesis.”
They’ve grown up with screens in their faces from the moment they popped out of the womb. And while their swipe reflexes are strong, we have to ask: is tech-based learning really making them smarter? Or just making them better at pretending to pay attention on Zoom while secretly playing Minecraft?
Enter: The Hovercraft Project — a high-energy, hands-on, screen-free STEM experience that has students actually learning, actually laughing, and actually building a real working hovercraft they get to ride. (Cue the jaw drops!)
Let’s break down why this no-screen educational experience is blowing students’ minds (and their teachers’ expectations) across the country.
Why a Screen-Free STEM Program Actually Works (And Works Better)
1. Hands-On = Minds On
The more students engage their senses, the more they remember. When they build a hovercraft with real tools, problem-solve with their teammates, and watch it glide across the gym floor with their classmate on board — that experience sticks. That’s kinetic learning. That’s retention. That’s real-world science applied in real time.
We’re not just giving students instructions. We’re letting them experiment, test, troubleshoot, and feel the science — in a way that connects dots between classroom theory and “whoa, I just made this thing MOVE!”
2. Zero Distractions = 100% Engagement
No buzzes. No pop-ups. No “Your storage is full” alerts. When kids aren’t glued to devices, they’re more present. More focused. More curious.
During The Hovercraft Project experience, students are fully immersed. You won’t see glazed eyes or sneaky scrolling. You’ll see excitement. Teamwork. Innovation. And an entire room of future engineers in action.
Teachers often tell us, “This is the most focused I’ve ever seen my students.” Coincidence? We think not.
3. Real Collaboration (Not Just Group Chats)
Hovercrafts don’t build themselves. Our program requires teamwork — and not the “you do all the work, I’ll put my name on it” kind.
Students must communicate clearly, divide tasks, support each other’s ideas, and work together to make the project fly (literally). These interpersonal skills are just as valuable as the physics lessons they’re learning along the way.
And guess what? It’s all done face to face. Not FaceTime to FaceTime.
What Educators Are Saying
Teachers and school administrators across the country rave about the screen-free nature of The Hovercraft Project. And we’re not just talking, “That was nice.” We mean actual tears, laughter, and unsolicited thank-you hugs.
Here’s what they’ve shared:
“Seeing my students who typically struggle with pencil and paper assignments excel with this project is my absolute favorite part. I tell them not everyone has to be the same kind of “smart”; that the world needs all types. But they don’t get it when I just say it. Your project shows them.”
– Mrs. Wike, Teacher at Oxford Elementary, NC
“Every student loved it and were so excited to participate!!! They learned so much through hands-on project based learning!!!!!!! We are definitely wanting [The Hovercraft Project] back next year.”
– Heather Best, North Duplin Elementary School, NC
“Every part of the day was very impactful for our students, but if I had to pick one part it would be the first two hours. Forcing them to solve problems without giving them any help. The "Productive Struggle" was amazing to watch.”
– Marian D. , Teacher Gainesville FL
But What About Digital Literacy?
Let’s be clear: we’re not anti-technology. We’re pro-balance.
The digital world will still be there when the hovercraft stops gliding. But it’s our responsibility to give students a chance to explore STEM beyond the screen — to ignite the part of their brain that can’t be reached through passive video consumption.
At The Hovercraft Project, we’re building confidence that lasts longer than a tablet’s battery life.
Why Screen-Free Learning Matters for Young Minds
Screen fatigue is real — and it’s showing up earlier than ever.
Studies show that excessive screen time can impact focus, reduce creativity, and delay social development. And during the COVID-19 era of remote learning, those impacts were magnified.
Here’s what the science says about screen-free education:
🧠 Improves cognitive retention by encouraging physical activity and spatial awareness.
💬 Enhances communication skills through face-to-face teamwork.
🎯 Increases attention spans by removing digital distractions.
🛠️ Boosts problem-solving through trial-and-error learning with physical tools.
🧘♀️ Reduces anxiety and overstimulation, especially in younger students.
Hovercrafts may look like a fun ride (spoiler: they are), but under the hood, they’re a full-on brain-boosting machine.
STEM Without Screens = A Win for Schools
Administrators, this one’s for you.
If you’re looking to check all the boxes for your school district’s goals — equity, accessibility, engagement, STEM, 21st-century skills — The Hovercraft Project is your unicorn.
Our curriculum is:
✅ Aligned with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)
✅ Fully mobile — we come to you
✅ 5 hours of screen-free learning
✅ Just the right amount of chaotic fun
Plus, we handle everything. Set-up, materials, facilitation. You just provide the space and the students, and we’ll take care of the rest.
Ready to Book The Hovercraft Project?
Here’s the deal: we’re already booking for next school year. Our calendar fills up faster than you can say “centripetal force.”
If you want your students to:
Build something real
Ride the Hovercraft they built themselves!
Learn physics, teamwork, engineering, communication, patience, value and much more!
Laugh harder than they have all year
Go an entire day without screens (and not miss them one bit)...
