SeaPerch Challenge
SeaPerch is an innovative underwater robotics program that equips teachers and students
with the resources they need to build an underwater Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV)
in an
in- school or out-of-school setting. Students build the ROV from a kit comprised
of low-cost, easily accessible parts, following a curriculum that teaches basic engineering
and science concepts with a marine engineering theme. The SeaPerch Program provides
students with the opportunity to learn about robotics, engineering, science, and mathematics
(STEM) while building an underwater ROV as part of a science and engineering technology
curriculum. Throughout the project, students will learn engineering concepts, problem
solving, teamwork, and technical applications.
Building a SeaPerch ROV teaches basic skills in ship and submarine design and encourages
students to explore naval architecture and marine and ocean engineering principles.
It also teaches basic science and engineering concepts and tool safety and technical
procedures. Students learn important engineering and design skills and are exposed
to all the exciting
careers that are possible in naval architecture and naval, ocean, and marine engineering.
Developed skills include:
- Teamwork, creative problem-solving, and real-life applications
- Ocean science concepts such as buoyancy and displacement
- Underwater vehicle design principles and tooling
- Engineering concepts such as propulsion, waterproofing, electricity, circuits, and switches
2023 SeaPerch Competition Season
This 2023 season theme is Ocean Exploration in partnership with NOAA Ocean Exploration and the Ocean Exploration Cooperative Institute (OECI). Participating teams will design and compete ROVs in a simulated exploration effort
including mapping an area, removing marine life from an underwater station, and retrieving
samples from the underwater environment.
The below information applies to USM's 2023 Regional SeaPerch Challenge, which is an annual qualifying event that awards allocated team slots from the Gulf Coast Region for the annual International SeaPerch Competition hosted at the University of Maryland on May 13th 2023.
Regional Competition Details
USM's Regional SeaPerch Competition will be hosted at the Biloxi Natatorium Pool on Saturday, March 18th 2023 from 7:30 am to 4:00 pm.
Competition Guidelines
This year's USM Regional SeaPerch Challenge will include three required events (obstacle course, mission course, and team video). Of note, the International Challenge requires all qualifying teams to compete in four events (obstacle course, mission course, technical report, and team video) and two optional events (real world innovation poster and community outreach). More resources and competition template can be found below:
USM's Regional Competition Resources
- Competition Classes Overview
- Competition classes depend on modifications made to ROV
- ROV Compliance Checklist
- All teams need to ensure that their ROV is in compliance in order to compete
- Team Video
- Team Video Instructions and Scoring Rubric
- Teams must submit Team Presentation (3-5 minute video) by Monday, March 6th, 2023 by 5:00 pm
- Submission link will open on Tuesday, February 28th, 2023
- Pool Courses Overview and Preliminary Rules
International Competition Resources
- Technical Design Report
- Technical Design Report Instructions and Scoring Rubric
- Real-World Innovation
- Real-World Innovation Poster Instructions and Scoring Rubric
- Community and Outreach Instructions
Competition Schedule
(subject to change)
The Biloxi Natatorium is an Olympic size pool, 50 meters long by 25 yards wide, with depth from 4 to 13 feet. The facility includes bleacher seating, digital touch pad/electronic timing, dressing rooms and a patio.
| 7:00 am - 7:30 am | Volunteers arrive, set-up, debriefing |
| 7:30 am - 8:45 am | Team arrive, check-in and paperwork at registration table, ROV compliance inspection, pool practice open |
| 8:45 am - 9:00 am | Opening remarks and competition kick-off |
| 9:00 am - 2:00 pm |
Competition events (obstacle, mission, and presentations)
|
| 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm | Final scoring in classroom, exhibitor demos in practice pool |
| 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm | Award ceremony, closing remarks |
| 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm | Event breakdown |
Awards:
An awards ceremony will be at the end of competition on March 18th in the Biloxi Natatorium Pool. Teams can earn awards in the following categories:
Team Video:
- Middle School 1st, 2nd, 3rd Place
- High School 1st, 2nd, 3rd Place
- Open Class 1st, 2nd, 3rd Place
Obstacle Course:
- Middle School 1st, 2nd, 3rd Place
- High School 1st, 2nd, 3rd Place
- Open Class 1st, 2nd, 3rd Place
Mission Course:
- Middle School 1st, 2nd, 3rd Place
- High School 1st, 2nd, 3rd Place
- Open Class 1st, 2nd, 3rd Place
The 2023 USM Regional SeaPerch Challenge will award three International Competition invitations to the top three teams.
Get Involved
This SeaPerch Challenge would not possible without robust support ranging from local connections and mentors to national-level sponsorships. Our partners, volunteers, and sponsors play a critical role by supporting the USM SeaPerch Program and enhancing Blue Economy experiences.
Volunteers
Want to support your Gulf Coast SeaPerch Community? USM needs local volunteers!
Volunteer Opportunity Descriptions:
Course Judges: The SeaPerch competition is divided into two challenges, a task- oriented challenge and a time-sensitive obstacle course. Competition judges use a pre-determined scoring rubric to evaluate each team’s challenges.
Pit Crew: These volunteers will help check-in teams, inspect ROVs and be available to students at the triage station for repairs and support throughout the competition.
In-Water Support: These volunteers need to not mind getting wet. They will be stationed in the pool and will work to retrieve parts and pieces of ROVs during the competition. Locker rooms will be available for in-water support volunteers.
Information Table: The information table is on hand to answer questions for teams and families throughout the day. Volunteers at the info table will give out programs, provide directions to the pool and washrooms, keep the lost and found bin, and answer any visitor questions. This is also where we will have our first aid station.
Awards Support: These volunteers will assist by tallying scores between heats and courses. Awards support volunteers will help hand out awards and keep the awards ceremony running smoothly.
Set-up/Take Down Support: Set-up and take down volunteers will support staff by assisting with the set-up and take down of the event. This includes but limited to: setting up folding tables and chairs, laying out tools for the Pit Crew, putting out literature at the information table, putting out lane supplies, etc.
Full day volunteers will receive lunch and a t-shirt. Thank you to everyone for helping
us make this event a success for the students!
Sponsors
More Information Coming Soon!
USM Regional SeaPerch Challenge
Saturday, March 18, 2023
Check-in: 8:00 a.m. | Challenge: 9:30 a.m
Biloxi Natatorium
1384 Father Ryan Avenue
Biloxi, Mississippi
228.688.3177
Frequently Asked Questions
The SeaPerch Program provides students with the opportunity to learn about robotics, engineering, science, and mathematics while building an underwater ROV as part of a science and engineering technology curriculum. Throughout the project, students learn engineering concepts, problem solving, teamwork, and technical applications.
Grades of students building SeaPerch:
- Middle School (Grades 5-8)
- High School (Grades 9-12)
Max per team is 8 students.
SeaPerch ROV kits are available for purchase on the SeaPerch/Robonation site.
Yes, there is a limit of 5 teams per school.