!
eaPerch is a national underwater robotics program
that equips teachers and students with the resources
they need to build an underwater Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV). 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. The SeaPerch Program provides students
with the opportunity to learn about robotics, engineering, science, and mathematics (STEM) while
building an underwater ROV. Last year was a successful first season for the JFK team. Four students:
Mike Conroy, Luke Michaels, Matt Renna, and
Ateeb Shabaz, qualified at states for the national
SeaPerch competition held at UMASS Dartmouth.
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have access to a pool for testing prior to the state
competition.
JFK currently has 20 students, ten sixth graders and
ten seventh graders, who compete in two classes of
the SeaPerch competition. The sixth grade students,
being new to SeaPerch, compete in a stock class
competition in which all participants may only use
the components provided in their SeaPerch kit. The
7th grade students, who competed in stock class last
year, are now competing in open class, which allows
them to engineer modifications to their stock ROV.
Regardless of the class, all ROVs compete to have
the fastest time navigating an underwater obstacle
course consisting of five hoops arranged at different
angles. Students also compete in finesse, poster,
and presentation competitions in which they can
show their skill at operating the vehicle or highlight
their engineering and problem solving skills through
their presentation.
The SeaPerch competition has become an integral
part of the Talented and Gifted (TAG) curriculum
at JFK. TAG advisor Brian Zawodniak has not only
organized the school club but works closely with
Greg Kane, the state advisor for Connecticut
SeaPerch, to organize and promote the state’ s only
scrimmage. Additionally, four other JFK staff members have been important in running the club and
SeaPerch 2014 at JFK
On November 20th, 2015 from 9:00 to 3:00, JFK
Middle School will host the 2nd Annual Connecticut
SeaPerch Scrimmage. Last year, JFK was the first
school in the state to host a SeaPerch scrimmage.
Fifty-six students participated in the event. This
was the only scrimmage in the state prior to the
CTEEA Connecticut SeaPerch regional championship. The scrimmage is important not only for JFK
students to practice against other competitors, but
also for other schools in the region who may not
2
Hayes all volunteer their time as life
the club meets to practice in the pool.
Tech Ed teacher Adam Mitchell has
students to help design and print 3D
students’ ROVs.
guards when
Additionally,
worked with
parts for the