FAQs
What is a Hovercraft??
A hovercraft is a low friction vehicle that rides on a thin current of air.
What is the purpose of The Hovercraft Project?
At its core, The Hovercraft Project exists to help students learn to love to learn—the kind of learning that feels like discovery, teamwork, and a little bit of chaos (the good kind).
Our program blends STEM with inquiry-based, project-driven instruction, so students are putting all their subjects into practice at once. Math, science, engineering, communication—it’s all happening in real time while they design, test, and ride a hovercraft they built together!
The mission? More than just lift-off. It’s about lifting minds and confidence. To help kids believe in themselves, lean into challenges, and discover the joy of learning through motion and grit.
We’re not just building hovercrafts. We’re building the future minds because when students feel what they’re capable of, it changes how they show up in every classroom after.
Teachers and adults aren’t there to give answers; they’re there to ask the right questions. The result? Students take ownership of their learning, and teachers walk away with a framework they can drop into their classrooms the very next day.
Photo Credit: JC Photography
What grades does this project serve?
This experience is built for 5th graders.
Why? Fourth graders usually don’t have the stamina to power through a 5-hour STEM build. And older students? Well… let’s just say 6th graders (and up) are a little too strong—and they’ll happily push our hovercrafts into orbit!
Our “sweet spot” is 5th grade. It’s the perfect balance of curiosity, energy, and teamwork.
How many students can participate at one time?
Up to 128 students can join the adventure. We roll in with a fleet of 16 hovercrafts, and students work in teams of 6–8 to design, build, test, and ride. (Teams of 6 are our sweet spot!)
There’s no minimum. We’ll happily hover in for a single classroom if that’s what you need!
How long is the project?
Plan for about 5 hours. Think of it as an in-school field trip!
The exact length depends on how quickly the students solve problems and complete each stage of the build.
Photo Credit: JC Photography
Do teachers need to prepare students?
Just a tiny bit. You’ll need a Release of Liability Form for each student, and we’ve got a Teacher Instructions guide to make things simple.
Other than that? The less students know, the better! We’ve found the biggest “WOW” moments happen when they walk in with fresh eyes.
What do teachers need to bring?
Nothing. Just your students and their enthusiasm!
We provide every single material, lead the project start to finish, and pack it all back up at the end. Our mission is to make this experience as stress-free for teachers as it is exciting for students.
How do I get The Hovercraft Project to my school?
Easy! Just fill out our Tour Date Inquiry Form
Once you complete the form, hover over to your inbox! You’ll find an email waiting with more details and the next steps to help you secure your project day.
Fun fact: no deposit is required to book!
What information is required to book a tour date?
Before we can officially lock in your tour date, we’ll need a few details from your school. You’ll be asked to reply to our email with info about:
Facility Space – Do you have a regulation basketball court (50 ft x 90 ft) or similar open space with smooth floors and minimal obstacles? If not, just share your space dimensions and features (bleachers, stage, storage, etc.).
Parking for Our Rig – Can you provide overnight parking the night before for our 43-ft semi-style vehicle?
Site Accessibility – Can our vehicle safely access your school? (Think bridges, tight turns, granite curbs, etc.).
Payment Method – Can payment be provided on or before the event day?
Decision-Maker Contact Info – Who are the key decision-makers for approvals and scheduling? (Often principals or administrators)
Once we have your answers, we’ll work with you to match up available tour dates and officially reserve your project day!
What is the cost?
$4,000 per day for up to 128 students (mileage included).
We schedule based on regional demand, so we typically need a cluster of schools in the same area to book around the same time.
Are there discounts?
We don’t currently offer discounts.
BUT - we know budgets are tough. If funding is a challenge, let’s brainstorm creative ways to make it happen. (We’ve seen schools team up, use PTA support, secure grants, or even tie it into community sponsorships. We’re happy to help you get inventive!)
What standards does this project meet?
A lot!
The Hovercraft Project is intentionally designed to hit multiple core standards in one unforgettable day. Students build, analyze, problem-solve, experience conflict resolution, operate as a team, and apply classroom knowledge to a real-world challenge with limited tools.
What does a timed example of the day look like?
Do I get to ride?
Yes! And trust us, you’re going to want to!
Teachers, administrators, principals, parents—when you ride, it creates a shared memory with students that they’ll never forget. And yes, the hovercraft can lift you.
Be warned: most adults instantly turn into 10-year-olds again when they ride. Smiles guaranteed!
Is there a weight limit?
Each hovercraft can safely lift over 450 pounds (when well built). Plenty of power for both students and brave adults!
Will the hovercrafts damage the floors?
Nope. Each hovercraft is designed with rounded edges and we train students on safe handling.
Your floor is safe with us!
Does The Hovercraft Project carry insurance?
Yes. Lots of it!
You can find details and documentation in our Tour Resource Library
Photo Credit: JC Photography
Can students with special needs participate?
Absolutely! We welcome every student to take part.
For students with physical needs, we’ll adapt the ride with extra care.
For students with sensory sensitivities, we recommend noise-cancelling headphones (hovercrafts are awesome…but loud).
For classrooms with multiple aides, we’ll group them together to ensure a smooth experience.
Have you had any media attention?
Yes, it’s been wild!
We’ve been featured on ABC 7 Sarasota, WWNY Channel 7 / WNYF Fox 28, and even profiled in U.S. News & World Report.
And then there was a viral moment: in Fall 2022, a 7-second Instagram clip of our hovercrafts racked up 45 million views from our page alone. ESPN, Unilad, and other outlets picked it up, too!