Utah Teens Immerse Themselves In Robotics Competition At WSU

FEBRUARY 27, 2015

February 27, 2015OGDEN, Utah — More than 300 Utah students from sixth to 12th grades will flock to Weber State University for the SeaPerch Northern Utah Underwater Competition on March 10 from 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. in the Swenson Gym Pool. The underwater robotics competition is part of a national program.
 Seaperch
SeaPerch gives students the opportunity to learn about robotics, engineering, science and mathematics while building an underwater Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV). Hill Air Force Base’s STEM Outreach partners with WSU’s College of Applied Science & Technology (COAST), Brigham Young University and seven school districts to bring this event to Utah.
 
"COAST is a leader in, and a strong supporter of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) opportunities for Northern Utah's students,” said Dave Ferro, COAST dean. “We are frequent partners with Hill AFB in programs like SeaPerch, Mission to Mars, FIRST robotic competitions and more.  Together, we help make our Northern Utah community one of the best served in terms of STEM outreach programs and have for a number of years.”
 
Using a kit comprised of low-cost, easily accessible parts, students follow a curriculum that teaches basic engineering and science concepts in marine technology. Participants learn such skills as submarine design, propulsion, waterproofing and buoyancy.
 
"Programs like SeaPerch allow students to apply what they learn from lectures and research,” said Dana Dellinger, WSU’s Center for Technology Outreach director in the College of Applied Science & Technology. “The competition aspect provides students the opportunity and motivation to make sure their robot not only works, but also can excel against other peoples’ designs.”
 Seaperch
Students will participate in several events during the competition, including vehicle performance, innovative design and design evaluation. The winner of the competition will represent the Northern Utah district at the 2015 National SeaPerch Challenge May 29-30 at the University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth.
 
For more information on WSU’s COAST program, visit weber.edu/COAST. For more information on SeaPerch, visit seaperch.org.

For high-resolution photos, visit the following links:

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Visit weber.edu/wsutoday for more news about Weber State University.

Contact:
Dana Dellinger, WSU’s Center for Technology Outreach director in the College of Applied Science & Technology
801-626-7552 • danadellinger@weber.edu

Author:
Marcus Jensen, Office of Marketing & Communications
801-626-7295 • marcusjensen@weber.edu