Introduction to the SeaPerch Program

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

2. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2aJug_7i8fs • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sHaHw8J9Ni0 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mrDxz2oRCmk • 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

6. 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

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

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

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. Questions? For more info, visit www.seaperch.orgThank You!