Sea Perch provides students with the opportunity to learn about robotics, engineering, science, and mathematics while building the underwater ROV as part of a science and engineering curriculum.  Throughout the project, students will learn engineering concepts, problem solving, teamwork, and technical applications, as well as having the opportunity to participate in an end-of-the-term design competition. In addition, the curriculum includes discussion of potential careers in technical and engineering fields, as well as related fields of study.  The program will be used to inform and educate students through a hands-on activity in the classroom, with the objective of generating interest and enthusiasm for continued science, technology and engineering studies.  The long-term goal will be to create the next generation of naval architects, marine and ocean engineers, and scientists. The Sea Perch program introduces pre-college students to the wonders of underwater robotics. Part of the Office of Naval Research's initiative, "Recruiting the Next Generation of Naval Architects," this program teaches students how to build an underwater robot (called a Sea Perch), how to build a propulsion system, how to develop a controller, and how to investigate weight and buoyancy. The Sea Perch program trains teachers, mentors and potential trainers how to build the remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), which are made with PVC pipe and other small parts, all housed in a plastic Rubbermaid bin. With a marine engineering theme, this project teaches basic skills in ship and submarine design and encourages students to explore naval architecture and marine and ocean engineering concepts independently.

To build and sustain a long-term effort to address the problem of decreasing college enrollments in engineering and technical programs by introducing middle and high school students to science through hands-on activities. The Participants:
The Office of Naval Research
http://www.onr.navy.mil The Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers (SNAME)
http://www.sname.org Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
http://www.mit.edu Sea Grant Program
http://www.seagrant.noaa.gov

The U.S. has fallen from 3rd to 17th in the world in the number of college graduates in Engineering programs. The future lack of skilled workers in the U.S. will decrease global competitiveness. 400,000 engineers will be needed by 2010. This program addresses the recruitment vulnerability in specific areas targeted by the U.S. government such as Naval Architecture, Marine and Naval Engineering. This vulnerability will result in a lack of expertise in mission-critical areas if not addressed.