Students, teachers, parents and sponsors who have learned about SeaPerch can advocate to have it become part of their science (or more specifically, robotics) curriculum.
Training Educators to Teach SeaPerch
Bringing SeaPerch to a school requires that at least one teacher be trained by a qualified trainer. Training can be set up for individual schools, school districts, or other groups defined by shared interest or geography.
Bringing SeaPerch to Your School
Before you pitch the program to your administration, review the materials summary below, as well as the curriculum and the schools and organizations participating in SeaPerch.
What You Need to Start Up a SeaPerch Lab
- Tools
- Space
- Electricity
- Water
- Stations for wax and drilling
Two teachers can share a set of tools.
- Ruler
- Marker
- PVC pipe cutter
- Phillips screw driver
- Flat head screw driver
- Drill
- Drill bits: 1/4", 3/32"
- Pliers
- Vise
- Electric hot plate
- Metal cups or beaker
- Soldering iron
- Wire cutter
- Wire stripper
- Scissors
- Multimeter
- Safety glasses
For a complete parts list, visit our Build page.
Workshop Space / Electrical Requirements
Two teachers can work together at a 6 ft. table space or equivalent thereof. We will need an electrical outlet at or near each table. This translates to the the equivalent space of ten 6 ft. tables.
A laboratory space with benches, etc. is typically ideal. We also need the space/equivalent of two 8 ft. tables to set up a drilling station and a waxing station, with a power source near each. The wax station table needs to be covered with either paper or plastic for protection/ease of cleanup from the wax. We also need water access either in the room or nearby. This is needed for the water bath for the wax station, as well as the soldering iron sponges and clean up. Lots of paper towels are always great. Plus, a few garbage cans are helpful.
Testing the Vehicles
We like to test in the room where we are building a SeaPerch. A 50-gallon trash can will work for this. Again, we just need water access.
Once we have tested in the lab/classroom, we like to take the teachers to a large body of water for running their vehicles. A pool, pond, dock, etc. is great. Please let us know what our options are for each site.
The Future of SeaPerch
The SeaPerch program is evolving into an advanced, worldwide network that enables schools and student as well organizations to modify their SeaPerch, contribute to cutting-edge coastal water quality monitoring, and implement their own ideas.
