Water in a dust bowl: Tulsa teachers build underwater robots for Navy-aligned STEM program

The Tulsa Regional STEM Alliance hosted professional development training for 20 teachers to launch underwater robotics programs at their schools through the SeaPerch Challenge. The initiative aims to expand access to hands-on STEM education while preparing students for real-world careers in fields like naval operations and engineering.

What you should know: The SeaPerch program teaches students to build and operate remotely operated underwater vehicles (ROVs), developing skills directly applicable to military and civilian careers.

• Teachers learn comprehensive technical skills including cutting pipe, soldering, and drilling to construct the underwater robots.
• The program is partnered with the Naval League, which helps align the curriculum with actual Navy job requirements.
• Students who participate gain experience operating underwater vehicles similar to those used by Navy personnel.

How it works: Schools participate in an annual regional competition hosted by the Tulsa Regional STEM Alliance (TRSA) each spring, with teams receiving specific challenges to solve using their custom-built ROVs.

• Teams must navigate both obstacle courses and competition courses designed around the year’s specific challenge.
• The official challenge for the upcoming season hasn’t been announced yet, but preparation will begin soon.
• Students learn to drive their robots through various underwater scenarios that mirror real-world applications.

What they’re saying: Program leaders emphasize the career preparation aspects of the underwater robotics training.

• “The great thing about today’s professional development is that we’re partnered with the Naval League and we have been discussing with them how the skills that these ROVs teach align with skills and jobs that the Navy has today,” said TRSA Program Manager Allison Bailey.
• Lacey Marshall from Deborah Brown Community School noted student enthusiasm: “They’re so excited about this program. This will show them different ways on how to become different types of engineers, so when they get older they can look back and understand the purpose of this program.”

Getting involved: Schools interested in joining the SeaPerch program can contact TRSA directly for more information and training opportunities.

• Educators can reach out by emailing [email protected] or calling 918-779-4910.
• The training provides teachers with all necessary skills to implement the program at their own schools.