inSights Magazine | Page 2

! 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. " 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