SeaPerch Challenge

Where Innovation Goes Underwater

Dive into the exciting world of underwater robotics with SeaPerch, a hands-on program that empowers K-12 students and educators to design, build, and operate their very own remotely operated vehicle (ROV)!

Using real engineering tools and principles, students apply problem-solving, teamwork, and creativity to complete a series of underwater tasks and missions.

Through SeaPerch, students experience the engineering design process from start to finish — planning, building, testing, refining, and communicating their ideas — all while engaging in a fun, real-world STEM challenge.

Who Can Participate

The SeaPerch Challenge is open to student teams in grades K–12, typically participating through schools, clubs, or out-of-school programs.

Teams compete in three divisions: Elementary, Middle School and High School
Each team must be supported by a coach or educator
To ensure broad access, each coach may register up to three teams total, regardless of school or district

No prior robotics experience is required — just curiosity, teamwork, and a willingness to learn.

Why It Matters

SeaPerch provides students with meaningful, hands-on STEM experiences that connect classroom learning to real-world applications.

By participating, students:

Gain hands-on experience in engineering, physics, and design thinking
Develop critical skills like collaboration, perseverance, and communication
Build confidence as problem-solvers and innovators
Explore STEM pathways and careers connected to engineering, robotics, and technology
Have a chance to advance to the International SeaPerch Challenge, May 30-31 in College Park, Maryland

Participation

Join the Tulsa Regional SeaPerch Challenge for an exciting opportunity to turn engineering ideas into action! Student teams will design, build, and pilot their own underwater robots while tackling real-world challenges inspired by disaster response and recovery. Teams showcase their creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving skills through hands-on competition and a judges’ interview, with top teams earning the opportunity to advance to the international stage.

Eligibility

Elementary, Middle School, and High School divisions
Open to teams across Oklahoma and neighboring states
Teams may participate through schools or community-based programs

Application Details

Application Deadline: February 2
Team Limit: Up to 3 teams per coach, across any school or program
Team Size Guidance:
- Elementary: 4–6 students per ROV kit
- Middle & High School: 2–4 students per ROV kit

Advancement & Regional Options

The top two overall teams in the middle and high school divisions will advance to the International SeaPerch Competition, with limited funding support available from Tulsa Regional STEM Alliance
Teams should register for the regional competition that best fits their location

The Tulsa Regional SeaPerch Challenge is affiliated with the International SeaPerch Challenge, powered by RoboNation. Our regional competition follows the international season theme and core structure, using a modified mission course designed to support teams across varying experience levels and divisions.

Theme

Storm Response: Technology in Action for Recovery and Relief

This year’s theme highlights the role uncrewed systems and robotics play in disaster response, recovery, and resilience. Students are challenged to think beyond restoring what was lost — and instead consider how technology can help communities rebuild smarter and stronger after storms and other natural events.

Through hands-on, post-disaster scenarios, teams apply engineering with purpose by simulating real-world tasks such as restoring harbor operations, assessing underwater infrastructure, supporting exploration, and retrieving critical materials.

Components

Teams pilot their ROVs through a series of pool-based challenges that test design, control, and problem-solving, and participate in a brief judges’ interview to share their engineering process, teamwork, and learning throughout the season.

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 simulates post-storm recovery efforts, with tasks such as inspecting underwater infrastructure, clearing debris, conducting water sampling, and retrieving objects to support community and environmental recovery.

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.

The interview emphasizes learning, intention, and communication — not just performance — and allows students to articulate how and why their design evolved.

Whether you’re brand new to SeaPerch or preparing a returning team, these resources are designed to help you get started, build confidently, and understand how the competition works.

Purchase a SeaPerch Kit

Access official ROV kits with all core components needed to build and customize your robot.

Team Handbook

Review official guidelines, rules, and expectations for SeaPerch teams and competitions.

Pool Course Build Guide

Learn how to set up practice courses and prepare for competition-day challenges.

Build Resources

Step-by-step guides, design tips, and reference materials to support student teams as they complete their ROV.

Training Videos

Instructional videos for educators, coaches, and students covering ROV assembly, troubleshooting, and best practices.

SeaPerch Curriculum

Standards-aligned, hands-on curriculum that supports instruction from upper elementary through college-level learning.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it usually take to assemble a SeaPerch?

Get ready to unleash your inner engineer! The hands-on building of your SeaPerch ROV typically takes anywhere from 4 to 8 hours. Of course, this can vary depending on how many awesome builders are on your team and your collective experience. Imagine integrating this exciting build into a semester-long adventure! You could weave in fantastic science and engineering lessons alongside the construction, making it a truly immersive learning experience.

What's the recommended age level for participating?

SeaPerch is a great fit for students in grades 5-12! It’s amazing to see the creativity and problem-solving skills these age groups bring to the challenge. However, we’ve seen younger students get involved too, with the help of a mentor who can handle tools requiring a bit more skill, like drills and soldering irons.

How can I get up to speed on building a SeaPerch – is training available?

Great news – you’ve got this! The SeaPerch Build Manual is designed to be your go-to guide, especially if you’re new to the SeaPerch world. It’s packed with easy-to-follow, step-by-step instructions and super helpful images and illustrations that will lead you through the build process. Plus, for even more support, check out the online training videos available on the SeaPerch website. You can watch them at your own pace, pausing and rewinding as needed – it’s like having your own personal coach!

What are the initial steps to launching a program in my school?

One of the best things about SeaPerch is its flexibility. Whether you’re looking to ignite STEM interest in a short time or build a more in-depth, year-long program with robust educational support, SeaPerch can adapt to fit your needs. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach – it’s all about what works best for you and your students!

To get started, you’ll need SeaPerch kits, which contain all the essential components to build your very own underwater robot. You’ll also need some tools. You can find a toolkit through the SeaPerch resources, or you can gather your own. The great thing about tools is that they can often be shared among students and used again year after year.

For planning purposes, the SeaPerch team recommends about one kit for every 4-6 elementary students, or 2-4 middle or high school students. They also suggest one teacher toolkit for every five individual SeaPerch kits you order. For all the details on kit contents and pricing, be sure to visit the RoboNation Shop!

Before you even open a kit, we highly recommend taking a look at the Resource Library – Build Resources on the SeaPerch website. This will give you a fantastic overview of the skills involved in constructing the ROV. And don’t forget their online training videos that walk you through the entire build process!

For a program to really shine, what resources or support are most important?

The most crucial element for a thriving SeaPerch program? A passionate champion! This could be an enthusiastic principal, a dedicated teacher, or a supportive parent. Having someone who believes in the power of hands-on learning and can advocate makes a huge difference.

The SeaPerch website offers a wealth of resources to help your program soar, and remember, Tulsa Regional STEM Alliance is always here to lend a hand and cheer you on every step of the way! We deeply appreciate the dedication of all the champions out there making STEM accessible and exciting for our students.

Can I customize the design or add attachments?

Absolutely! In fact, that’s a major part of the SeaPerch adventure! The SeaPerch Build Guide showcases several design options you can choose from, but even better, you and your team can get creative and build a custom design using the materials in the kit or by adding your own innovative components. To make your ROV perform specific underwater tasks, like lifting objects, you’ll definitely want to explore adding attachments. Since the SeaPerch is built with common PVC pipes and fittings, it’s wonderfully easy to modify and personalize. Let your imagination dive in!

What materials and parts are provided in the SeaPerch ROV Kit?

Want to know exactly what treasures await inside a SeaPerch ROV Kit? Head to the RoboNation shop on the SeaPerch website! There, you can explore the components of the ROV Kit and discover other exciting pack options. Just click on each item for a detailed description of what’s included – you’ll see all the essential parts that will bring your underwater explorer to life!

How many kits do I need for my students?

For elementary school teams, the SeaPerch folks recommend one kit for every 4-6 students. For middle and high school teams, they suggest one kit for every 2-4 students. This allows for great collaboration and ensures everyone on the team gets hands-on experience with the building process.

The Seaperch Challenge is more than a competition—

it's a journey of discovery, innovation, and teamwork. Through designing and building underwater ROVs, students engage in hands-on learning that fosters creativity, problem-solving, and leadership. It’s a chance to experience the engineering design process in a real-world context, develop resilience, and explore future careers in STEM. For teachers, it’s an exciting way to inspire and connect with students beyond the classroom. Whether or not you win, the joy of working together, overcoming challenges, and seeing your ideas come to life makes the Seaperch experience unforgettable and incredibly rewarding for both students and educators."

- Abraham Kamara, Tulsa Public Schools

Get Involved

Want to make a difference in the lives of more than 215 young innovators? 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.

Already a TRSA volunteer? Sign up through our portal.

Shift Options: Morning: 9:00 AM – Noon // Afternoon: Noon – 3:00 PM

Judges

Become a Champion for Innovation! We need dedicated volunteers to serve as Pool Course Judges and Interview Judges. Your role is critical in ensuring a fair and rewarding competition for these future engineers. You'll witness firsthand the creativity and problem-solving skills of these young minds as their ROVs navigate the obstacle course and mission course.

Apply to Judge

Divers

Calling All Underwater Enthusiasts! The SeaPerch Robotics Challenge needs energetic volunteers to serve as Divers. You'll be responsible for ensuring the safety and smooth operation of the pool competitions. This is a great opportunity to combine your love for aquatic activities with supporting the next generation of underwater explorers!

Apply to Volunteer

Logistics

Be a Part of the Team Behind the Scenes! Your contributions will ensure a seamless event by helping with tasks such as setting up the competition area, managing registration, and assisting with awards presentations. This is a fantastic opportunity to lend a helping hand and witness the excitement of this robotics competition!