What Is a Submarine? Underwater Exploration for Kids
Learn how submarines work and what they do under the sea. This fun and easy article for kids explores submarines used for science, rescue, and defense.

🌊 Submarine: The Boat That Travels Underwater
Summary:
A submarine is a special kind of boat that can travel underwater. Submarines are used for science, exploration, military defense, and even rescue missions. In this article, you'll learn what submarines are, how they work, and how people use them to explore the deep sea.
🚢 What Is a Submarine?
A submarine is a watercraft that can go below the surface of the water and stay underwater for long periods of time. Unlike regular boats that float on top, submarines can dive deep into oceans, seas, or lakes.
Submarines are often called subs for short. They are shaped like long tubes and built to handle very high water pressure deep in the ocean.
⚙️ How Do Submarines Work?
Submarines use special systems to dive, float, and move underwater.
Key parts include:
- Ballast tanks – These fill with water to sink and fill with air to float
- Propellers – Spin to move the sub forward
- Periscope – A tool that sticks above the water so people inside can see outside
- Pressure hull – A strong metal shell that keeps the crew safe from water pressure
Submarines can be powered by diesel engines, batteries, or even nuclear reactors, depending on their size and mission.
💡 Did You Know? Some submarines can stay underwater for months at a time!
🌍 What Are Submarines Used For?
Submarines are used by different people and for many purposes:
🛡️ Military:
- Navy submarines are used for defense, spying, and carrying supplies
- Some carry missiles or torpedoes
🔬 Science and Exploration:
- Research submarines explore the deep sea and study underwater life
- Scientists use them to map the ocean floor and discover new species
🧑🚒 Rescue Missions:
- Submarines can help in underwater rescues, like when divers or boats are lost
- Some are designed to repair underwater cables or pipelines
🧪 Life Inside a Submarine
Inside a submarine, there’s not much space. The crew works in tight quarters and follows strict routines. Submarines have:
- Sleeping bunks, kitchens, and bathrooms
- Control rooms with screens and maps
- Air filters and oxygen systems
- Food stored for long trips
Life on a submarine is like living in a floating spaceship—just underwater!
🐠 Exploring the Deep Sea
Some small submarines, called submersibles, go to the deepest parts of the ocean, like the Mariana Trench. These help scientists study sea creatures, underwater volcanoes, and more.
💡 Fun Fact: The deepest dive ever in a submarine reached nearly 36,000 feet (that’s deeper than Mount Everest is tall!).
📚 Vocabulary to Know
- Submarine – A boat that travels underwater
- Ballast tank – A tank that controls sinking and floating
- Periscope – A tool for looking above the water
- Pressure hull – The strong body of a submarine that keeps water out
- Submersible – A smaller research submarine
🧠 Think About It!
Would you like to live on a submarine for a week? What would be fun or challenging about it?
🧒 Kid-Friendly Summary
A submarine is a boat that goes underwater. People use submarines for science, defense, and exploring the ocean. They have tanks that help them float or sink and are built to keep the people inside safe deep underwater.