Sanford Team Takes Top Prize at SeaPerch Naval Engineering Competition

 

SeaPerch is an underwater robotics program, sponsored by the Office of Naval Research, that teaches basic naval engineering principles. The program equips teachers and students with the resources to build an underwater Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV), which underwent two “missions” in the competition swimming pool.

The SeaPerch team, made up of seventh graders Owen Andreasen (mechanical engineer), Emily Sherrier (thrust and propulsion engineer), Sofia Vietri (thrust and propulsion engineer), and Aaron White (electrical engineer), competed for the first time this year. Their high scores in four categories--Design Notebook (third place), Poster Presentation (second place), Vehicle Performance (two pool competition events), and Spirit & Sportsmanship--made them the overall champions in a crowded field of 35 teams from Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware. The team is coached by Sanford parents Dan White, Mike Sherrier, Milo Aukerman, and Carol White.

“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,” explains the SeaPerch website. “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.”

Meeting every Wednesday since November to build and practice, the team modified the standard SeaPerch design by adding elements like a spar, microphones, ballast, and an inverted central motor. Their presentation explained the benefits and tradeoffs to each modification, with reference to the fundamental engineering principles they learned.

As Philly SeaPerch champions, the Sanford team received a champion trophy, a $100 cash award, and an invitation to the Biennial Intelligent Ship Symposium at the University of Pennsylvania, held on May 20th. They will also be honored at the 2015 Student and Teacher Awards Event at CBS-3 studios on May 27th.

According to coach Dan White, the tireless engineers are already thinking ahead to next year’s competition. Congratulations to the SeaPerch team!