Wilmington Regional SeaPerch Competition

Twenty-one middle and high school teams participated in the Wilmington Regional SeaPerch Competition, held March 15 at the UNCW Natatorium. The annual event is hosted by WCE’s Center for Education in Science, Tech, Engineering and Math (CESTEM). This year’s competition was supported by dedicated volunteers which included MarineQuest staff, UNCW students, and community members. 

SeaPerch is an innovative underwater robotics program. Prior to the competition, participating teams built tethered remotely operated vehicles (ROVs). During the competition teams showcased their skills as they maneuvered their ROVs through underwater challenge courses.

Each year, the mission course is related to real-world issues. This year the Mission Challenge was based on Coral Restoration.

Two teams will advance to the International SeaPerch Competition on May 31-June 1 at College Park, Maryland: the Wave Riders Middle School Team from Myrtle Grove Christian School and the Vikings 1 Team from John T. Hoggard High School.

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.

The Wilmington Regional competition is one of more than 100 qualifier events where teams earn a spot at the annual International SeaPerch Challenge.

About CESTEM

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.