SeaPerch: Engaging Students in Naval-Relevant STEM Education

Abstract

SeaPerch is an innovative K-12 underwater robotics program that inspires students to build their own Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROV,s) from a kit comprised of low-cost, easily accessible parts. Through this hands-on activity, students learn engineering concepts, p,roblem-solving, teamwork, and technical applications. Additionally, the education resources include a discussion of rewarding career, opportunities in technical and engineering fields.The major goal of the SeaPerch program is to build and sustain a long-term effort, to address the problem of decreasing college enrollments in engineering and technical programs by introducing middle and high schoo,l students to science and engineering through hands-on activities. The SeaPerch program strives to create awareness, stimulate inter,est, and generate pursuit of STEM education, which will eventually lead to graduate degrees and careers in technology development se,ctors and scientific research critical to the safety and security of the United States of America.As educational ecosystems evolve a,cross the United States, educational programming innovations both in and outside of the classroom are needed. The SeaPerch program i,s a direct response to this evolving educational environment and aims to enhance existing opportunities and forge new pathways for s,tudents to meaningful STEM workforce opportunities. This program includes five related tasks including: educational kits; program su,pport and educational resources; educator training; competitions; and community engagement and outreach. Students and educators who,engage with this program will gain a deeper understanding of naval-relevant science, technology and engineering opportunities and ap,plications. In particular, the integrated and transdisciplinary nature of this project enhances the Naval-relevant technical foundat,ion of students prepared to enter the workforce and develop innovative solutions in the future.

Document Details

Document Type
DoD Grant Award
Publication Date
Oct 06, 2022
Source ID
N000142212663

Entities

People

  • Lindsey Groark

Organizations

  • Office of Naval Research
  • United States Navy

Tags

Fields of Study

  • Education

Readers

  • Defense Technology Research and Development.
  • Research Science/Academic Research

Technology Areas

  • AI & ML
  • AI & ML - DoD AI Strategy
  • Autonomy