Middle and high school students from New Hanover, Onslow and Pender counties participated in the 2024 Regional SeaPerch Competition held March 16 at the UNCW Natatorium. The annual event is sponsored by WCE’s Center for Education in in Science, Tech, Engineering and Math (CESTEM).
SeaPerch is an innovative underwater robotics program that equip students, educators and parents with the resources they need to build an underwater remotely operated vehicle (ROV) in an in- or out-of-school setting. During the competition, student teams are challenged to complete tasks and navigate obstacles underwater.
“Each year the mission course is related to real-world issues,” said Michelle Hafey, CESTEM Program Associate. “This year the mission course simulated ocean exploration near the hydrothermal vents.”
Top regional finishers – The Viking 1 Team from John T. Hoggard High School and the Baby Yodas Team from Myrtle Grove Christian School – will advance to the 2024 International SeaPerch Challenge on May 31 in College Park, Maryland.
Since 2011, the SeaPerch program has expanded to reach students in over 35 countries and all 50 U.S. states, with an estimated 250,000 students engaging annually through grassroots programs, competitions and training activities. SeaPerch is supported by the Office of Naval Research and multiple other sponsors, and managed by RoboNation, a nonprofit with a mission to provide a pathway of hands-on educational experiences that empower students to find innovative solutions to global challenges.
The Wilmington Regional competition is one of more than 100 qualifier events where teams earn a spot at the annual International SeaPerch Challenge.
WCE’s Center for Education in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (CESTEM) partners with schools, businesses and the broader community to promote STEM education through professional development, a technology loan program and regional competitions such as the Regional Science & Engineering Fair, Science Olympiad and SeaPerch. For more information visit the CESTEM website.
This article has the following tags: Watson College of Education Students & Alumni Engagement