Introduction to the SeaPerch
Program
Chris Hansen
Naval Architect
Naval Underwater Warfare Center (NUWC) Newport, RI
chansen@seaperch.org
 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.
Current Situation
2004 Engineering Graduates
Percent of Degrees in Science &
Engineering
500,000
70%
450,000
60%
400,000
350,000
50%
300,000
40%
250,000
30%
200,000
20%
150,000
100,000
10%
50,000
0%
Japan
0
China
India
China
Germany
United States
Source: NSF “Science and Engineering Indicators 2010”
United
States
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.)
Problem Statement
•
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.
•
•
The competitiveness of the US in a global economy
Our ability to hire and retain qualified personnel
•
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
The Problem
of…
Affects…
The impact of
which is…
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
5
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
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
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
Kit Components
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PVC Pipe
Wire
Motors
Film canisters
Wax
Switches
Propellers
Circuit Board
Other items
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
“Hercules” ROV at the
Deepwater Horizon Site
SeaPerch Program
 Students learn design and engineering principles by
building an underwater ROV (SeaPerch) and
participating in a culminating event/Design
Competition or Showcase
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Fun, educational, challenging
Varying levels of sophistication allow broad appeal
Integrate engineering & technology into the classroom
Introduce maritime careers into the classroom
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
Basic Curriculum
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Ship and Sub Design
Buoyancy
Displacement
Motor Movement
Soldering
Vectors
Circuits and Switches
Ergonomic Design
Depth Measurement
Biological Sampling
Attenuation of Light
Features
Benefits
 Hands on learning
 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
 Existing/enhanced curriculum
 Mentors
 No-Cost Teacher Training
 Websites
 Simplified & affordable design
 Kit Fulfillment
 Introduces career discussions
 Scalable for various ages
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
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
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
Regional and National
SeaPerch Challenges
 Regional Events send winners
 9 Regional Events as of today
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Philadelphia
Indiana
Northern Virginia
Denver
San Diego
Newport, RI
Seattle
Maryland
USNA
 Winners go to National SeaPerch
Challenge
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 )
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 )
Results as of 01 August 2010
Students Trained
9000
New States
35
7959
8000
7000
24
25
6000
20
5000
Students Trained
3448
4000
3000
New States
15
10
2000
1000
29
30
6778
5
775
5
0
1
0
2007
2008
2009
2010
2007
Funded Kits
2500
2009
2010
Teachers Trained
600
2314
500
2000
1505
400
1500
Funded Kits
919
1000
500
2008
278
300
Teachers Trained
187
200
100
206
0
38
0
2007
2008
2009
2010
2007
2008
2009
2010
Sea Perch Construction
Assembling the Control Box
 Soldering push button and
toggle switches
 Wiring the power cable
 Trouble-shooting (using a
digital multimeter)
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)
Assembling the vehicle frame
 Cutting out frame parts
(using pvc cutter)
 Drilling drain holes (with
electric drill)
 Putting basic frame
together (following
assembly diagram)
 Questions?
 For more info, visit www.seaperch.org
Thank You!