BTW, a well-designed school project assignment without a deadline is unusual, to say the least, IME.

I've had a couple high school students buy my plans without asking me for advice and without my knowledge about the project. When they realized just HOW BIG the project actually was and couldn't finish it within the deadline I heard from the parents. Clearly neither knew what they were in for.

Now if I get wind the plans are for a school project I advise them not to have a deadline. And I've been assured by the ones I've talked with their program respects and reviews progress and not an arbitrary deadline.

As a teacher I'm blown away by their desire to tackle the project in the first place. Any teacher should understand and be able to assess whatever is accomplished in a set time span with a project as big as a kayak. Desire and tenacity will overcome any obstacle. Such a project will most likely be life changing for a young person. Mistakes are unplanned learning opportunities. Experts make mistakes all the time, they're just better at hiding them. Learning is fun.

Kids know "Go!" They are taught "Stop" by adults. God Bless the parents and teachers who support the go getters!

“People who say it cannot be done should not interrupt those who are doing it.” - Chinese Proverb

Shoot for the stars! If you hit the moon that's not bad!

If this is a true student project ('Genius' or not), why isn't the student here asking for advice?

The parent is a delegated research assistant.