Introduction to the SeaPerch Program

Chris HansenNaval Architect

Naval Underwater Warfare Center (NUWC) Newport, RIchansen@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

China India United States0

50,000

100,000

150,000

200,000

250,000

300,000

350,000

400,000

450,000

500,000

2004 Engineering Graduates

Japan China Germany United States

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

Percent of Degrees in Science & Engineering

Source: NSF “Science and Engineering Indicators 2010”

A Gathering StormWith 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 StatementThe Problem of…

• 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.

Affects…• The competitiveness of the US in a global economy• Our ability to hire and retain qualified personnel

The impact of which is…

• 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

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 toolSeaPerch is fun and hands-onSeaPerch is a curriculumSeaPerch teaches STEMSeaPerch trains teachersSeaPerch can change kids’ mindsSeaPerch can help find the next generation of naval architects, marine, ocean, and naval engineersSeaPerch 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 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

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

SeaPerch Program

Integrate into curriculum based upon learning outcomes

After School Programs Out-of-School (Scouts,

4H, Boys & Girls Clubs) School club (Robotics,

Science) Summer Camps

Delivery Methods

Basic Curriculum Ship and Sub Design Buoyancy Displacement Motor Movement Soldering Vectors Circuits and Switches Ergonomic Design Depth Measurement Biological Sampling Attenuation of Light

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

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

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

Teacher Training

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 Philadelphia Indiana Northern Virginia Denver San Diego Newport, RI Seattle Maryland USNA

Winners go to National SeaPerch Challenge

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 5-8)

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 )

National Science Education

Content Standards (Grades 9-12)

Results as of 01 August 2010

2007 2008 2009 20100

100020003000400050006000700080009000

775

3448

67787959

Students Trained

Students Trained

2007 2008 2009 20100

500

1000

1500

2000

2500

206

919

2314

1505

Funded Kits

Funded Kits

2007 2008 2009 201005

101520253035

15

2429

New States

New States

2007 2008 2009 20100

100

200

300

400

500

600

38

187

278

Teachers Trained

Teachers Trained

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.orgThank You!