Generating Interest in STEM through Hands-On Activities Susan G. Nelson, CMP, CAE Executive Director, SeaPerch Program

Where Do We Stand?

Why it Matters STEM is everywhere! SCIENCE: weather, animals, plants, food, fuel TECHNOLOGY: computers, smartphones, TV, radio ENGINEERING: roads, bridges, homes, appliances MATHEMATICS: budgets, shopping, investments STEM shapes our everyday lives STEM is the future

Good Jobs

What are STEM jobs? Engineers Computer scientists Information technology specialists Doctors Physicists Forensic scientists Scientists Architects Mathematician Mechanics Electricians Shipbuilders Teachers Welders Musicians Geological technicians Web developers Surveyors

But Students are not Studying STEM

How do we change this? Increase awareness that: STEM careers are varied STEM careers are plentiful STEM careers pay well STEM careers are challenging and fun STEM careers build communities and transform nations

 Based on the book, “Build Your Own Underwater Robot and Other Wet Projects”  Curriculum designed in 2003 by MIT  Funded by the Office of Naval Research  AUVSI Foundation manages the program 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 groom the NEXT GENERATION of STEM professionals One Solution: SeaPerch

What is a SeaPerch?  SeaPerch is an underwater ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle)  SeaPerch gets its power from a 12 volt battery  SeaPerch is controlled by 3 motors  SeaPerch is connected to land through a tether cable

Fun, educational, challenging Varying levels of sophistication allow broad appeal Integrates STEM into the classroom Introduces maritime, robotics, and STEM careers Curriculum Affordable Mentor/teacher training In-class mentoring and support for teachers Online resources at SeaPerch.org How?

Basic Curriculum Ship and sub design Buoyancy Displacement Propulsion Soldering Circuits and switches Ergonomic design Depth measurement Biological sampling Attenuation of light Ergonomics

National Science Education rnin Standards SeaPerch meets many of the national learning standards Maps to the new Common Core standards Visit to see how standards map to youwww.seaperch.org Provides a Resource and Activity Guide that maps to standards, provides lesson plans and activities, and gives teachers suggestions and ideas for classroom implementation

Delivery Methods In school curriculum Out-of-school (Scouts, 4H, Boys & Girls Clubs, Sea Cadets) After school programs School clubs Summer camps Homeschool ROTC

Kit Components PVC Pipe Wire Small motors Film canisters Wax Switches Small propellers Circuit board components Other items

Current Cost ( as of September subject to change ) Cost of Kits $169 per individual SeaPerch Kit $235 per Teacher Tool Kit Possible Sources of Funding School District Parents (Lab Fees, Club Fees, PTOs) Grants Sponsors

How Can You Help? Mentor at a local school Judge or volunteer at a SeaPerch event Purchase SeaPerch kits for use in your designated school or program Financial sponsorship

Source: Change the Equation, STEM Statisticshttp://changetheequation.org/blog/stemtistic- display-last-numeracyhttp://changetheequation.org/blog/stemtistic- display-last-numeracy Questions? For more information, visit

Thank You