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SeaPerch (RoboNation)

Provided By
RoboNation
Two participants look over the side of a swimming pool at their robot.

SeaPerch Program Scale Up expands the reach of the SeaPerch and SeaGlide programs, in which middle and high school students learn about scientific and engineering concepts as they work in small teams to collaboratively build an underwater remotely operated vehicle (ROV). Educators participate in their own learning experiences to gain confidence in teaching engineering concepts and skills. They also learn about careers in marine engineering to share with their students.

Logic Model

Program Activities

Students (Grade K-12)

Work in small teams to collaboratively build an underwater ROV.

Learn about scientific and engineering concepts related to the ROV build​. 

Learn about careers that utilize underwater ROVs​.

Program Near-Term Outcomes

Students (Grade K-12)

Students will gain knowledge of engineering design process and technical skills by building an ROV.

Students will develop critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity skills. 

Students will gain awareness of STEM careers that involve underwater ROVs.

DSEC Near-Term Outcomes

Students (Grade K-12)

Increased participant STEM competencies (STEM skills, knowledge, abilities, and confidence).

Increased participant awareness of, and interest in, DoW STEM research and careers. 

Increased participant awareness of, and interest in, DSEC opportunities.

Program Activities

Educators

Learn about scientific and engineering concepts as they work with a small team to collaboratively build an underwater ROV. ​ 

Learn about careers that utilize underwater ROVs​. 

Learn how to teach the engineering concepts and skills necessary to build an ROV.​

Program Near-Term Outcomes

Educators

Educators will gain knowledge of scientific and engineering concepts related to the ROV build.

Educators will increase awareness of careers in marine engineering. 

Educators will gain confidence in teaching engineering concepts and skills for an ROV.

DSEC Near-Term Outcomes

Educators

Increased participant STEM competencies (STEM skills, knowledge, abilities, and confidence). 

Increased participant awareness of, and interest in, DoW STEM research and careers. 

Increased participant awareness of, and interest in, DSEC opportunities.

Participant Perspectives

Participant perspectives reflect survey responses from 2025-2026, the first year of survey administration.

Of 5,878 student participants, 255 responded to the survey.

Of 563 educator participants, 104 responded to the survey.

Students

Grades 6-16

  • Disagree
  • Slightly Agree
  • Moderately Agree
  • Strongly Agree
In SeaPerch, I learned how to solve problems by asking good questions.
n = 255 valid responses
In SeaPerch, I learned how to work as a team.
n = 255 valid responses
In SeaPerch, I learned how to think outside the box.
n = 255 valid responses
In SeaPerch, I learned how to build a remote operated vehicle (ROV).
n = 255 valid responses
SeaPerch helped me learn about different kinds of STEM careers.
n = 248 valid responses

Educators

  • Disagree
  • Slightly Agree
  • Moderately Agree
  • Strongly Agree
In the SeaPerch program, I gained knowledge of buoyancy.
n = 104 valid responses
In the SeaPerch program, I gained knowledge of density and mass.
n = 104 valid responses
In the SeaPerch program, I gained knowledge of forces and motion.
n = 104 valid responses
In the SeaPerch program, I gained knowledge of basic circuitry.
n = 104 valid responses
In the SeaPerch program, I gained confidence in teaching buoyancy.
n = 102 valid responses
In the SeaPerch program, I gained confidence in teaching density and mass.
n = 102 valid responses
In the SeaPerch program, I gained confidence in teaching forces and motion.
n = 102 valid responses
In the SeaPerch program, I gained confidence in teaching basic circuitry.
n = 102 valid responses
In the SeaPerch program, I increased my awareness of career pathways in marine engineering.
n = 100 valid responses
Program Data

Program data includes participants from both years of Base Period (2024-2025 and 2025-2026). 

Students

11,323 total student participants

Student Grade Level

Military-Connected Students

Educators

954 total educator participants

Educator Type

Category Count %
District Administrator or Staff 9 0.9%
School Administrator 7 0.7%
Teacher 257 26.9%
Other 281 29.5%
No position listed 400 41.9%

Educator Grade Levels

Military-Connected Educators

Other programs from Partner
Career Connections Pathways Program (Robonation)