1. Introduction to the SeaPerch Program
Chris Hansen
Naval Architect
Naval Underwater Warfare Center (NUWC) Newport, RI

2.
How will you design your sea perch so that it is able to solve these problems? You can use the video clips you just saw to give you some ideas of problems your Perch could be interacting with.
Please work in your SeaPerch group to write an essay on the topic (one per person)
The paper should be a minimum of one page in length.
You should spend some time discussing your ideas before you begin writing.

3. Current Situation
Source: NSF “Science and Engineering Indicators 2010”

4. A Gathering Storm
With 1.9 million students entering college after high school graduation, fewer than 300,000 are majoring in STEM fields, and only about 167,000 are expected to be STEM college graduates by 2011.
The U.S. government, in its report “Rising Above the Gathering Storm,” determined that this lack of STEM graduates would have a direct impact on the security and competitiveness of our country.
(Source: NCS Digest of Education Statistics, Science & Engineering Indicators 2008.)

5. Problem Statement
The Problem of…
An alarming gap between the increased need for qualified engineers for government-related jobs and the graduation rates for US-born citizens in STEM related degrees to take on those jobs.
Affects…
The competitiveness of the US in a global economy
Our ability to hire and retain qualified personnel
The impact of which is…
Underperforming on strategic programs critical to our nation’s long term success
Loss of global competitiveness in key strategic areas
Limits our ability to take on additional research programs
Decreased morale for current workforce
A successful solution will
Improve both the efficiency and effectiveness of our outreach programs in creating awareness, driving interest and eventual pursuit of STEM careers

6. Curriculum designed in 2003 by MIT Funded by ONR as part of the NNRNE
One Solution-SeaPerch
Based on a book
Curriculum designed in 2003 by MIT
Funded by ONR as part of the NNRNE
AUVSI manages the program for ONR

7. 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
-Program designed to generate interest in science through hands-on activities.
-Sponsored by

8. 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

9. Kit Components PVC Pipe Wire Motors Film canisters Wax Switches
Propellers
Circuit Board
Other items

10. 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

11. “Hercules” ROV at the Deepwater Horizon Site

12. SeaPerch Program
Students learn design and engineering principles by building an underwater ROV (SeaPerch) and participating in a culminating event/Design Competition or Showcase
Fun, educational, challenging
Varying levels of sophistication allow broad appeal
Integrate engineering & technology into the classroom
Introduce maritime careers into the classroom

13. 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

14. Basic Curriculum Ship and Sub Design Buoyancy Displacement
Motor Movement
Soldering
Vectors
Circuits and Switches
Ergonomic Design
Depth Measurement
Biological Sampling
Attenuation of Light

15. Features Benefits Hands on learning Existing/enhanced curriculum
Mentors
No-Cost Teacher Training
Websites
Simplified & affordable design
Kit Fulfillment
Introduces career discussions
Scalable for various ages
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

16. 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

17. 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

18. 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
Teaches real-world skills such as presentation, such as a true engineer would require
Kids getting excited about an academic activity versus a sporting event
The Great Equalizer

19. Regional and National SeaPerch Challenges
Regional Events send winners
9 Regional Events as of today
Philadelphia
Indiana
Northern Virginia
Denver
San Diego
Newport, RI
Seattle
Maryland
USNA
Winners go to National SeaPerch Challenge

20. National Science Education Content Standards (Grades 5-8)
Science as Inquiry (8ASI )
Abilities necessary to do scientific inquiry (8ASI1)
Understandings about scientific inquiry (8ASI2)
Physical Science (8BPS )
Motions and Forces (8BPS2 )
Transfer of energy (8BPS3 )
Earth and space science (8DESS )
Structure of the earth system (8DESS1 )
Science and Technology (8EST )
Abilities of technological designs (8EST1 )
Understanding about science and technology (8EST2 )

21. National Science Education Content Standards (Grades 9-12)
Science as Inquiry (12ASI)
Abilities necessary to do scientific inquiry (12ASI1)
Understandings about scientific inquiry (12ASI2)
Physical Science (12BPS)
Motions and Forces (12BPS4)
Conservation of energy and increase in disorder (12BPS5)
Interactions of energy and matter (12BPS6 )
Science and Technology (8EST)
Abilities of technological designs (12EST1 )
Understanding about science and technology (12EST2)
History and Nature of Science (12GHNS)
Science as a human endeavor (12GHNS1 )
Nature of scientific knowledge (12GHNS2 )
Historical perspectives (12GHNS3 )

22. Results as of 01 August 2010

23. Sea Perch Construction

24. Assembling the Control Box
Soldering push button and toggle switches
Wiring the power cable
Trouble-shooting (using a digital multimeter)

25. Assembling thrusters
Wiring motors (using wire stripper and soldering iron)
Water proofing motors (with wax)
Mounting motors (Zip Ties)
Attaching propellers (using 2-part epoxy)

26. Assembling the vehicle frame
Cutting out frame parts (using pvc cutter)
Drilling drain holes (with electric drill)
Putting basic frame together (following assembly diagram)

27. For more info, visit www.seaperch.org Thank You!
Questions?
For more info, visit Thank You!