Sea Perch Program at Saint James Teaches Science, Engineering

Submitted by Saint James School.

Under the auspices of the United States Navy, eighth graders at Saint James School in Highwood are designing and constructing functional small-scale submarines. This endeavor, known as Sea Perch, is an innovative underwater robotics program that equips students with the resources they need to build an underwater Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV).

The program teaches basic engineering and science concepts with a marine engineering theme. This unique experience gives St. James students 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 problem solving, teamwork and technical applications.

Designing and building these submarines also teaches basic skills in ship and submarine design and encourages students to explore naval architecture and marine and ocean engineering principles. The new skills learned by students will expose them to the exciting careers that are possible in naval architecture and naval, ocean, and marine engineering.

In March, 2015 Saint James eighth graders will compete in a regional competition with other teams at Great Lakes Naval Training Center. The competition will involve an underwater obstacle course and precision maneuvering. Students will be judged by Navy engineers in presentation and explanation of their build experience. Winning teams will advance to the national competition at the University of Massachusetts.

This new program will serve as an adjunct to the existing St. James Robotics program in which students design, build and program small-scale robots.