1. Club Event and MATE Competition

2. ROV Club Celebration
Who? Shedd ROV Clubs--teachers and middle/high school students. (Parents and family can attend; however, this event is not designed for them. There are no activities, food, or space set aside for guests.)
When? March 25th, 2017
Where? NEIU Athletic Center—pool and gym only!!! (Teachers will be responsible for ensuring their teams respect the space we have reserved for the event.)
Why? To celebrate the accomplishments of all ROV teams participating in Shedd’s Underwater Robotics program
Things to point out:
This is an included part of the club program. All clubs (years 1-3) are expected to attend
We will provide buses—more on how to do book buses will be covered in January. In short, teachers book the bus and have the bus company send the invoice to Shedd. We then pay it
Parents and families are not encouraged to attend. They are not banned, but this event is not designed for them and there will be nothing to entertain them
This event is about fun!
Speak with engineers and experts in the field
ROV obstacle course
Meet a professional ROV pilot
Try out your ROV in the pool
And much more!
Meet other teams

3. Marine Advanced Technology Education Center (MATE)
MATE’s Mission
Provide marine tech workforce with educated workers
Create interest in and improve STEM education
MATE is our partner organization

4. Shedd and MATE Shedd partners with MATE to:
Help co-create and promote STEM-centered ROV curricula
Utilize many MATE-produced resources (i.e. Pufferfish Kit components)
Serve as a regional host site for the ROV international competition

5. Shedd Midwest MATE ROV Competition
Shedd is a regional MATE partner, and as such hosts a regional MATE competition. NOTE: Shedd staff and volunteers run this competition and have complete purview over it. MATE provides the “Script”
At the competitions, teams are challenged to take on the role of companies to fulfill an RFP—they need to create an ROV that can accomplish themed tasks. In the past, themes have included underwater volcanoes, oil pipelines, ocean observing systems, arctic science and more.

6. MATE Competition

7. Shedd Midwest MATE ROV Competition: Product Demonstrations
Ocean Observing Systems – Backbone Interface Assembly
The competition has three main sections.
The first is the product demonstrations. These are underwater missions the ROV must accomplish such as servicing an ocean observing system or fixing an oil pipeline. In these product demonstrations, only a small contingent of the ROV team can be on the pool deck and strict rules and time limits are in place

8. Shedd Midwest MATE ROV Competition
Product Presentation
The other two sections are:
Product Presentation in which the team must present to a panel of experts (NOTE—the teams are expected to come with a presentation, not just answer questions)
Marketing Display or poster
All of these sections have clear guidelines detailed in the competition manual. These may change year to year and teachers and team members are responsible for reading the manual and knowing the rules/expectations.
Marketing Display

9. Club Event vs. Competition
We’d be thrilled to have your club compete in the competition, but understand clubs are just starting out which is why we offer and end of the year celebration event—just for Shedd Clubs!

10. Club Event vs. Competition
March 25th, (attendance required)
Free to attend!
Lunch is provided for teachers and club members
Registration is via Shedd staff
Safety check-out using MATE guidelines
All teams and guests must remain in the gym and/or pool
MATE props will be there to practice
Fun games and guest speakers
Real/professional ROV present
Chance for students to share the robot they have created and be recognized for their efforts
Optional “prep” activities for teams interested in MATE competition
Relaxed and Fun!
Parents/guardians, families, and guests can attend; however, we don’t encourage it as there are no activities for them or viewing opportunities.
April 29th, 2017 (optional)
No transportation provided
Registration fee depending on level (this is subject to change)
Lunch is provided for teachers and club members
Must register on MATE website
Safety check-out using MATE guidelines
All teams and guests must remain in the gym and/or pool
MATE Ranger product demos in deep end, Scout product demos in shallow end; Judges strictly using/following MATE judging rubric
Schools from around Midwest represented
Sales presentations and marketing displays in the gym
Awards ceremony, top two teams invited to MATE international competition
Competition atmosphere
Parents/guardians, families, and guests are encouraged to attend. They can view the product demonstrations in a designated viewing area (NOTE: guests will not receive lunch!!!)