Students learn best by doing, and during the process of building SeaPerch, they follow steps to completely assemble the Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV), test it, and then participate in launching their vehicles.
After the SeaPerch robot is constructed, students are encouraged to test their vehicles, deploy them on missions, compete in a culminating event, the SeaPerch Challenge, a district-wide one-day design competition, to take what students have learned to the next level. The Challenge fosters an end goal, rewards sportsmanship, spirit and presentation skills, as well as mastery of the concepts.
Events at the Challenge can include:
One of the most important aspects of SeaPerch, and one that differentiates it from similar programs, is that it includes training for teachers. Teacher training is provided at no cost to the school district. Teachers participate in a two-day training program to teach the teachers how to build the SeaPerch and discuss curriculum for the classroom. Continuing education and/or professional development credits may be offered, as educators are often required to attend workshops throughout the year.
The SeaPerch curriculum has been designed to meet many of the national learning standards identified by the government. With one project, schools are able to teach many of the concepts required for their grade level: an efficient use of time and a fun, hands-on activity for students.
Some of the concepts the students learn during the build include: