Follow step-by-step instructions to build a SeaPerch ROV.
Download SeaPerch Build Manual (2021)
SeaPerch Class Pack Project Preparation
Download SeaPerch Class Pack Project Preparation PDF (2025)
Current Build Manual Addendums
Adjustable Temperature Soldering Iron Guide
Soldering Wick Guide
Archived versions of the SeaPerch manual:
Download SeaPerch Build Manual (2016)
Download SeaPerch Build Manual (2012)
This series of instructional videos provide hands-on demonstrations of how to construct a SeaPerch.
Doing a SeaPerch Build? This lesson works through the calculation of mass, volume, and ballast of the SeaPerch. This resource is a part of the Testing: Troubleshooting lesson series.
Test SeaPerch ROVs for buoyancy, control, guidance, speed and friction in this lesson. This resource is a part of the Testing: Troubleshooting lesson series.
Use this lesson to troubleshoot your SeaPerch ROV design using the Troubleshooting Design Model. This resource is a part of the Testing: Troubleshooting lesson series.
SeaPerch is grounded in content and skills that align with educational standards used across the United States.
Learn more on the Educational Standards Page.
Lesson and supporting presentation for the structural build section of the SeaPerch. Students will learn about ROV design and explore different structural elements of their ROV. This resource is a part of the SeaPerch Build lesson series.
Lesson for the mechanical build section of the SeaPerch ROV. Students will assemble and waterproof electric motors. This resource is a part of the SeaPerch Build lesson series.
Lesson supporting the electrical system build section of the SeaPerch ROV. Students can learn the basics of electricity, electric charge, electric fields, voltage, electric energy, capacitors, electric current, DC resistors, batteries, and circuit analysis. This resource is a part of the SeaPerch Build lesson series.
Lesson focused on student-designed modifications of their SeaPerch ROV based on a student-led business case study. This resource is a part of the SeaPerch Build lesson series.
This classic aluminum boat challenge has inspired students for years. Teach the basics of Archimedes’ Principle with this fun and easy, hands-on exercise. This resource is a part of the Engineering & Robotics lesson series.
Build a simple submarine to explore how an active ballast system works. Use this knowledge to devise a ballast system for a SeaPerch ROV. This resource is a part of the Engineering & Robotics lesson series.
Build a simple electric motor and explore electric currents, magnetics and how motors relate to the electromagnetic forces all around us in this fun explorative lesson. This resource is a part of the Engineering & Robotics lesson series.
Introduce your students to the concept of friction and explore how friction impacts objects using hovercraft design. This resource is a part of the Engineering & Robotics lesson series.
Use this math challenge to connect engineering to mathematical modeling using the SeaPerch ROV. This resource is a part of the Cross-Curricular lesson series.
The Hunt for Red October is an exciting piece of literature that chronicles a real-world submarine tale. Students will use this book to research concepts applicable to their SeaPerch, ROV, prepare a written report in cooperation with other students, and polish their presentation skills. This resource is a part of the Cross-Curricular lesson series.
Have fun and learn about Chesapeake Bay crabs with this creative WebQuest. This resource is a part of the Cross-Curricular lesson series.
Read this article about the history of Alvin, one of the world’s first deep-ocean submersibles. This resource is a part of the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution.
Archimedes made an amazing discovery that is still used today to understand how things float. Learn about buoyancy in this fun lesson.
Find our how what PVC is and how it is made. Understand why PVC is the best material to use for SeaPerch.
What is an electromagnet and what does it have to do with how an electric motor works?
Learn how electric circuits work and how switches and binary are integral to how computers process complex functions.
May be modified for regional events.
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Pool Courses: ROV Compliance Checklist * (updated 01/25/2021) |
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*International Challenge classes will include Middle School Stock, High School Stock & Open Class. Other events will be limited to Middle School & High School. |
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Engineering Design: Technical Design Report Template & Instructions International Challenge – Required event |
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Engineering Design: Fact Sheet Template (PDF) International Challenge – Required event |
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Engineering Design: Fact Sheet Template (PPT) International Challenge – Required event |
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Team Interview: Instructions & Questions International Challenge – Required event |
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Real-World Innovation: Instructions International Challenge – Optional event |
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Real-World Innovation: Poster Template (PPT)(Google Slide) International Challenge – Optional event |
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Outreach: Instructions & Examples International Challenge – Special activity |
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Engineering Design: Scoring Rubric International Challenge – Required event |
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Team Interview: Scoring Rubric International Challenge – Required event |
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International Challenge – Optional event (No Obstacle Course) |
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International Challenge – Optional event |
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International Challenge – Optional event |
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Real-World Innovation: Scoring Rubric International Challenge – Optional event |
Full instructions for how to build the 2021 season pool courses. Optional event in the 2021 International SeaPerch Challenge.
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Mission Course: Mini Pool Course |
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Mission Course: Marine Debris Objects updated 01/25/2021 |
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Mission Course: Canisters |
Are you working remotely with your team and looking for resources to help? Here are a few great places to start and include some free educational offers from our amazing partners.
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Design, build, and test your SeaPerch in an online environment. |
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Design and model your SeaPerch in 3D. Suitable for all ages! |
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Design and model your SeaPerch in 3D. Ages 13+. |
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Full instructions for how to build the 2020 season pool courses.
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Mission Course: Marine Debris Info Sheet |
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Mission Course: Beacon |
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(Simplified) |
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(Non-Electronic Version) |
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Mission Course: Canisters |
Need suggestions for funding your SeaPerch program? The SeaPerch Program Sustainability Guide will help find ways to keep your program funded.
This guide provides information and recommendations related to starting a program, hosting a competition, and other ways to engage with SeaPerch in your community.
