The Greater Philadelphia Sea Perch Challenge is open to middle and high schools in the Philadelphia region with the goal of increasing student interest in robotics, science, mathematics, engineering and technology. Part of the Office of Naval Research's initiative, "Recruiting the Next Generation of Naval Architects," the 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 2007 competition will include 40 teams comprised of middle school, high school and community college students from the tri-state area.  The event was created by Drexel’s College of Engineering, the Delaware Valley section of the American Society of Naval Engineers, NAVSEA, and the School District of Philadelphia.  This is the only underwater robotics competition of its kind in the world, don’t miss it!

The 2007 Greater Philadelphia Sea Perch season officially began with the Kick Off Event on February 1, 2007.  The event brought together over 50 teachers from across the region who will be advising local teams.  The 2007 competition was unveiled and each school was sent back to their school with two full Sea Perch kits, a hand-held drill, a full tool kit, a skillet and a 100 gallon testing tank thanks to the generous support of the Office of Naval Rsearch.

The Teacher Training for team advisors was held on February 1 & 2, 2007 at Drexel University.  Over thirty teachers from Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey and Maryland participated in the event.  The two day event gave the teachers a chance to build a Sea Perch while learning principles of buoyancy and ballast. The event culminated with the teachers having the opportunity to test their Sea Perch vehicles in the pool.

This is the only underwater robotics competition of its kind in the world; don’t miss the competition on May 5, 2007!

Pictures of the Event

For more information on the Greater Philadelphia Sea Perch Challenge please visit the website www.coe.drexel.edu/seaperch or contact:

Joanne Ferroni, Drexel University College of Engineering, jmh49@drexel.edu
Steve Michetti, NAVSEA Philadelphia, Stephen.Michetti@navy.mil
Velda Morris, Secondary Robotics Initiative, Vmorris@phila.k12.pa.us