SeaPerch Challenge

SeaPerch: Your Gateway to STEM

SeaPerch is more than just a remote-operated vehicle (ROV); it’s a captivating journey that ignites young minds. Our program breaks down barriers to robotics, empowering students and educators to engage in inquiry-based learning with real-world applications.

Build, Learn, and Explore

As you construct your underwater robot, you’ll discover the fundamentals of engineering, design, and science. Beyond technical skills, SeaPerch fosters essential 21st-century competencies like critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity.

Join a thriving community of students, educators, mentors, and enthusiasts. Whether you’re a home-schooler, a classroom teacher, or a club leader, SeaPerch offers the support and resources you need to succeed.

Ready to Dive In?

The 2025 SeaPerch Challenge is your chance to showcase your skills and compete against other talented teams. Design, build, and pilot your ROV through a series of exciting underwater missions. The competition is strong, but the fun is stronger!

Registration Deadline: February 17, 2025

Competition Elements

Pool Events:

Navigate your SeaPerch ROV through an obstacle course and a mission course, including a series of tasks. Score points for time and successful task completion.
The Obstacle Course tests high-speed maneuverability and requires the SeaPerch ROV to navigate the course as quickly as possible.
The Mission Course incorporates a mission related to Deep Sea Exploration. Teams will lead an exploration effort including mapping an area, removing marine life from an underwater station, and retrieving samples in an underwater environment.

Judges’ Interview:

Teams will have a 5-minute interview with a Judge where they’ll present their team and answer questions relevant to their SeaPerch season.

Students should be prepared to describe the intentional design process they completed for their SeaPerch ROV and their team’s approach to developing this design.

TRSA Funding Center

Tulsa Regional STEM Alliance offers funding that can be used to purchase SeaPerch Kits and Tool Kits. These are available for educators in an in-school or out-of-school setting. As a condition of this grant, all recipients will be required to bring at least one student team to the competition.

We have combined all of our grants into a single general application. This is open year round and reviewed quarterly. Apply by the date below in order to have your application reviewed in time to get your products for the 2024 SeaPerch.

Application Deadline: Nov. 17, 2023

Professional Development

Led by faculty from the United States Naval Academy, this all-day training will equip participants with all they need to start a SeaPerch program in their own classrooms or after-school programs.

Tuesday, October 31, 8am-3pm
Siegfried STEM Lab at TRSA

FREE & open to all 5-12th grade educators

Volunteer

Interested in volunteering? It takes dozens of community volunteers to make this event possible! Sign up to be a judge or support volunteer. We’ll provide onsite training and all the materials you’ll need.

Shift 1: 9 a.m.-Noon
Shift 2: Noon-3 p.m.

Volunteer roles:

Pool Course Judges (30 needed)
Interview Judges (20 needed)
Divers (12 needed)
Logistics Support (12 needed)

Qualifications:

✔️ Register and complete a background check
✔️ Be 18+ or have a registered adult chaperone
✔️ Be encouraging and supportive of STEM pathways for students
✔️ Willingness to engage students in positive and age-appropriate ways

Already a TRSA volunteer? Sign up through our portal. New to volunteering? Register through our system and complete a background check. Learn more about volunteering with TRSA here.