Transcript Welcome to the Sea Perch Program

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
SeaPerch Program
 Students learn design and engineering principles by
building an underwater ROV (SeaPerch) and
participating in a culminating event/Design
Competition or Showcase
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Fun, educational, challenging
Varying levels of sophistication allow broad appeal
Integrate engineering & technology into the classroom
Introduce maritime careers into the classroom
Delivery Methods
 Integrate into curriculum
based upon learning outcomes
 After School Programs
 Out-of-School (Scouts, 4H,
Boys & Girls Clubs)
 School club (Robotics,
Science)
 Summer Camps
Basic Curriculum
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Ship and Sub Design
Buoyancy
Displacement
Motor Movement
Soldering
Vectors
Circuits and Switches
Ergonomic Design
Depth Measurement
Biological Sampling
Attenuation of Light
Features
Benefits
 Hands on learning
 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
 Existing/enhanced curriculum
 Mentors
 No-Cost Teacher Training
 Websites
 Simplified & affordable design
 Kit Fulfillment
 Introduces career discussions
 Scalable for various ages
Teacher Training
 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
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 www.seaperch.org
Thank You!