SeaPerch Teacher’s Overview

General Overview The SeaPerch is a simple, remotely-operated vehicle (ROV), with a body made of PVC pipe. Students will use this project as an applied engineering application. They will first use design and drafting skills to create ideas and drafts of their ROVs, and then work in teams to construct a working ROV.

Project Skill Set The SeaPerch project provides students with a unique opportunity to visualize the design process in real life and real time. It incorporates advanced modeling features such as loft, sweep, shell, screen, work planes, rib, and coil. In addition, students will investigate how a material’s properties affect its performance in multiple environments. The SeaPerch project further offers students an opportunity to physically experience how engineering terms such as “datum dimensioning” and “tolerances” affect a project’s performance. SeaPerch is a skills-based project in which energy and effort are reflected in the project’s outcome. Performance of the SeaPerch ROV is directly related to the students’ work habits and lessons learned.

SeaPerch Teams The SeaPerch project provides an opportunity to experience how a long-term project requires each member of a team to develop a cooperative and collaborative spirit, reflecting their commitment to the project and to the team. Students will also learn how to interact with other student teams, as well as professionals off-site and online, to create a collegial environment to share ideas and resources. Resources for students include a chat group and engineering mentors from the David W. Taylor Model Basin at the Naval Surface Warfare Center / Carderock division.chat group David W. Taylor Model Basin

SeaPerch Team Roles The SeaPerch challenge is a wonderful opportunity for students to master a variety of skills and gain experience in multiple engineering fields. Unfortunately there is not enough time or resources for every student to enjoy 100% of this learning opportunity. By breaking into teams of four, however, each student can master one area and share his or her knowledge with the rest of the team.

SeaPerch Team Roles Mechanical Engineer – in charge of motors. Prepares lesson on motors. Materials Engineer – prepares lesson on PVC pipe. Checks quality control of all cut parts and inventories materials on a daily basis. Electrical Engineer – in charge of control box and control systems. Maintains battery charge and prepares lesson on control systems, including switches, relays, and microcontrollers. Systems Engineer/Project Engineer – maintains positive flow for project. Develops lesson on buoyancy and center of force. Oversees stability issues.

Mechanical Engineer Systems Engineer Electrical Engineer Materials Engineer

SeaPerch Science The MIT SeaPerch website has a number of mini-lessons behind the different subsystems used in this project. The official SeaPerch website also has several lessons and PowerPoint presentations available.MIT SeaPerch websiteofficial SeaPerch website

Become SeaPerch and the Future SeaPerch can open up doors and opportunities for students interested in degrees and careers in STEM fields (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). Information about STEM higher education and careers can be found on the SeaPerch website under “Become,” and the MIT SeaPerch website under “Careers.”BecomeCareers

Curriculum Standards