SeaPerch is an innovative underwater robotics program that teaches teachers and students to build an underwater Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) in either a classroom or out-of-school setting. Students build the ROV from a kit comprised of low-cost, easily accessible parts, following a curriculum that teaches science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) with a marine engineering theme. Throughout the project, students will learn engineering concepts, problem solving, design skills, and teamwork. In addition, they are exposed to all the exciting careers that are possible in naval architecture and marine/ocean engineering.
DCMM is proud to be the local sponsor of the SeaPerch program in Door County!
Under the guidance of adult supervision, late elementary through middle school students work in teams of up to four to build their own SeaPerch underwater robots! Are you an educator that has never participated in robotics before? No problem! The Door County Maritime Museum provides one free kit per school that signs up for SeaPerch. Schools may sponsor additional teams and purchase kits from SeaPerch directly. The easy-to-follow build manual provides step-by-step instructions for building the robots.
After the design, build, and testing phases, teams from area Door County schools come together to compete in a friendly competition before advancing to the regional competition in Green Bay. Students are timed while piloting their SeaPerch ROVs through an obstacle course and a mission course during competition. Mission course parameters are released in January of each year. Students also participate in a poster presentation discussing their strategy behind the build, teamwork, and engineering process. Teams that score highest on their poster presentation and have the fastest times place first and second at regionals, and receive a bid to the international competition in Maryland.
For more information, see the SeaPerch website. For questions or more information on getting started, contact Education Program Manager Andrea Stromeyer at astromeyer@dcmm.org.
Congrats to Washington Island Middle School for their fantastic showing in the 2023 International SeaPerch Competition at the University of Maryland!
- Team Flounder and Team Sea Angels represented Washington Island and the state of Wisconsin at the International Challenge May 13.
- Team Flounder scored 22nd Overall and Team Sea Angels scored 40th Overall.
- Team Flounder ranked 8th in the video presentation category!
- The Islanders competed against 56 middle school teams from around the world.
- This was the second year in a row that Washington Island students participated in the International competition!