Holmes County 4-H Explores Underwater Robotics

What is SeaPerch?

SeaPerch is an innovative underwater robotics program that equips teachers and students with the resources they need 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. The SeaPerch Program provides students with the opportunity to learn about robotics, engineering, science, and mathematics (STEM) while building an underwater ROV as part of a science and engineering technology curriculum. Throughout the project, students will learn engineering concepts, problem solving, teamwork, and technical applications.

Building a SeaPerch ROV teaches basic skills in ship and submarine design and encourages students to explore naval architecture and marine and ocean engineering principles. 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.

SeaPerch is…

A hands-on educational tool
Fun and challenging
A curriculum that meets national learning standards
Integrates STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics)
Teaches the teachers
Builds teamwork and inspires young minds
Introduces STEM career discussions

Watch the video below!

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gl3SZgLjoD0?rel=0&w=560&h=315]

A Hands-On Activity

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, and compete in a culminating event, the SeaPerch Challenge – a district-wide one-day design competition, to take what they 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 and recovery
Innovative design (optional)
Team presentations – oral presentations to judges
Design
Notebooks – document planning, design, construction, testing, and learning
Team spirit and sportsmanship at the event