Tulsa, Oklahoma – The Tulsa Regional STEM Alliance (TRSA) is expanding its SeaPerch underwater robotics program with a professional development training held for 20 teachers on Thursday. The initiative aims to equip educators with the skills and knowledge to launch SeaPerch programs at their schools.
The SeaPerch program involves students building Remotely Operated Vehicles (rovs) and competing in challenges that require navigating obstacle and competition courses. TRSA Program Manager Allison Bailey explained the training covered essential building techniques, including ”cutting pipe, to soldering, to drilling.”
Bailey highlighted the program’s relevance to future careers,noting a partnership with the Naval League to demonstrate alignment between SeaPerch skills and those used in the Navy. ”Kids in the classroom can learn how to drive this robot just like men and women in the Navy are driving underwater vehicles,” she said.
Lacey Marshall, a teacher from Deborah Brown Community School, expressed enthusiasm for bringing the program to her students, stating it would “show them different ways on how to become different types of engineers.”
TRSA hosts the Regional SeaPerch Competition annually each spring. While this year’s challenge remains unannounced, teams will soon begin preparing.
Educators interested in joining the TRSA SeaPerch program can contact TRSA at info@tulsastem.org or 918-779-4910. Further information is available at https://tulsastem.org/stem-resources-for-oklahoma-educators/seaperch-challenge/. FOX23 previously covered the SeaPerch Challenge in April of this year.