Introduction to the SeaPerch Program

The Story of SeaPerch SeaPerch began as one project in a book entitled "How to Build an Underwater Robot," by Harry Bohm and Vickie Jensen. SeaPerch captured just two pages, with a parts list and instructions on how to assemble. Years later, MIT and the Sea Grant office developed a teacher training program around the SeaPerch curriculum they had developed and they began introducing it to teachers in the New England area. The Office of Naval Research (ONR) provided some financial support to MIT to develop the teacher training program, through the NNRNE program (National Naval Responsibility for Naval Engineering).

The Story of SeaPerch The Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers (SNAME) had the vision to utilize their resources to manage the program and partner with ONR to take the SeaPerch Program from what was essentially a teacher training program and develop it into a true national program. ONR agreed to provide grant funding to develop a program, kit, and supporting materials, and to allow for the expansion of the program. As of the fall of 2011, the SeaPerch Program is now managed by the Association of Unmanned Vehicle Systems International Foundation (AUVSIF), and continues to expand nationally.

What Is SeaPerch? SeaPerch is an educational tool SeaPerch is fun and hands-on SeaPerch is a curriculum SeaPerch teaches STEM SeaPerch trains teachers SeaPerch can change kids’ minds SeaPerch can help find the next generation of naval architects, marine, ocean, and naval engineers SeaPerch Focuses on Diversity

What is a Sea Perch?  A Sea Perch is an underwater ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle)  The Sea Perch gets it’s power from a 12 volt battery  The Sea Perch is usually controlled by 3 motors  The Sea Perch is connected to land through a tether cable

“Hercules” ROV at the Deepwater Horizon Site

Similarities between a Sea Perch and an Commercial R.O.V  Tethered  Operates on the surface or submerged to explore underwater objects  Use of thrusters so they can maneuver through the water  Controlled by humans

 Students learn design and engineering principles by building an underwater ROV (SeaPerch) and participating in a culminating event/Design Competition or Showcase  Fun, educational, challenging  Varying levels of sophistication allow broad appeal  Integrate engineering & technology into the classroom  Introduce maritime careers into the classroom SeaPerch Program

 Integrate into curriculum based upon learning outcomes  After School Programs  Out-of-School (Scouts, 4H, Boys & Girls Clubs)  School club (Robotics, Science)  Summer Camps Delivery Methods

Basic Curriculum  Ship and Sub Design  Buoyancy  Displacement  Motor Movement  Soldering  Vectors  Circuits and Switches  Ergonomic Design  Depth Measurement  Biological Sampling  Attenuation of Light

Features  Hands on learning  Existing/enhanced curriculum  Mentors  No-Cost Teacher Training  Websites  Simplified & affordable design  Kit Fulfillment  Introduces career discussions  Scalable for various ages Benefits  Fun, educational and challenging  Allows one project to be used many ways  Gives ALL students a chance  Low cost per student  Less time for teachers to develop materials  Teachers are trained and supported  Kits and supplies support

 Teacher Training key parts of the program  Teachers with no experience can become familiar with ROV and design/engineering principles  Walk out with a working SeaPerch Teacher Training

Mentoring  Engineer/Professional in the classroom  Share career experiences  Assist teacher with the build  Assist students with troubleshooting  Wiring/Soldering Days  Reinforce concepts teacher has taught

Culminating Event  Takes what they learn to the next level  Encourages team spirit  Fosters an end-goal  Rewards creativity  Rewards sportsmanship, spirit and presentation skills

 Questions?  For more info, visit Thank You!