SeaPerch South

The SeaPerch South Program is a challenging, educational and fun opportunity for teams from elementary, middle and high school students.  The curriculum can be fully differentiated and is easily accessible for the learners.  SeaPerch is an innovative underwater robotics program that trains teachers to implement the hands-on aspect of engineering and tool development in order to create a research experience for their students.

Once trained and armed with the basic tools, teachers and mentors work with students teach their students how to build an underwater Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) in an in-school or out-of-school setting. Students build the ROV from a kit comprised of low-cost, easily accessible parts, following a curriculum that teaches basic engineering and science concepts with a marine engineering theme.

Building a SeaPerch ROV teaches basic skills in ship and submarine design and encourages students to explore naval architecture and marine and ocean engineering concepts. It also teaches basic science and engineering concepts and tool safety and technical procedures. Students learn important engineering and design skills and are exposed to all the exciting careers that are possible in naval architecture and naval, ocean, and marine engineering.

• Fun & challenging
• Integrating engineering & technology into the classroom
• Teaching teamwork & the scientific process
• Building teamwork and inspires young minds
• Introducing career discussion

Students learn best by doing, and during the process of building SeaPerch, they follow steps to completely assemble the Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV), test it, and then participate in launching their vehicles.

After the SeaPerch robot is constructed, students are encouraged to test their vehicles, deploy them on missions, compete in a culminating event, the SeaPerch Challenge A district-wide one-day design competition, to take what students have learned to the next level. The Challenge fosters an end goal, rewards sportsmanship, spirit and presentation skills, as well as mastery of the concepts. Events at the Challenge can include:

• Vehicle Performance - maneuvering & recovery
• Innovative Design (optional)
• Team Presentations - oral presentations to judges
• Design
• Notebooks - document planning, design, construction, testing, and learning
• Team spirit & sportsmanship at the event

One of the most important aspects of SeaPerch, and one that differentiates it from similar programs, is that it includes training for teachers. Teacher training is provided at no cost to the school district. Teachers participate in a two-day training program to teach the teachers how to build the SeaPerch and discuss curriculum for the classroom. Continuing education and/or professional development credits may be offered, as educators are often required to attend workshops throughout the year.

The SeaPerch curriculum has been designed to meet many of the national learning standards identified by the government. With one project, schools are able to teach many of the concepts required for their grade level: an efficient use of time and a fun, hands-on activity for students. Some of the concepts the students learn during the build include:

• Ship and submarine design
• Buoyancy/displacement
• Propulsion
• Soldering/tool safety & usage
• Vectors
• Electricity/circuits & switches
• Ergonomics
• Waterproofing
• Depth measurement
• Biological sampling
• Attenuation of light
• Moment arm, basic physics of motion
• Career Possibilities

Meets National Learning Outcomes:
The SeaPerch Program meets many of the national learning outcomes for science.

Supports Diversity:
The program focuses on presenting the possibilities of technical careers to minorities and girls underrepresented populations.

Low Cost Per Student:
The price per kit is $150 (reusable). Seed funding or subsidies may be available to help your program get started.

Web Resources & Community:
The SeaPerch website provides resources, tools, and fun.