2010-2011 Photos and Events for
TechBrick FLL, JrFLL and FTC Teams
Sea Perch Competition: June 11, 2011
On June 11,
2011, we held an off season program with the Sea
Perch program. This is an excellent addition to
your US FIRST activities. However, be warned. It
is WAY harder than it looks. All four of our Sea
Perch teams initially said, "Easy. Done in three
hours." Three weeks later we were still working
on bugs and building. Just like US FIRST it
teaches a wide range of skills. BOTTOM
LINE: Read every line of the instructions. Do
not just look at the pictures in the book. BE
SURE TO SEE ALL THE COOL PHOTOS BELOW THE
ARTICLE. Also, the kits are complete and
you can often find local grants to pay for them.
Just add water...
 The
U.S. Army Research Laboratory hosted a Sea Perch
robotics challenge at Aberdeen Proving Ground on
June 11, 2011. Sea Perch is an underwater
robotics program that trains students to build a
remotely operated vehicle (ROV) created by the
Office of Naval Research (www.seaperch.org).
The students learned about naval architecture,
electrical engineering, and team work during the
fabrication process. In Harford County, eight
teams built Sea Perch robots between April and
June to compete in the challenge.
SeaPerch is an innovative underwater robotics
program that trains teachers to teach their
students how to build an underwater Remotely
Operated Vehicle (ROV) in an in-school or
out-of-school setting. 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. Building a
SeaPerch ROV teaches basic skills in ship and
submarine design and encourages students to
explore naval architecture and marine and ocean
engineering concepts. It also teaches basic
science and engineering concepts and tool safety
and technical procedures. Students learn
important engineering and design skills and are
exposed to all the exciting careers that are
possible in naval architecture and naval, ocean,
and marine engineering.
 The
challenge had 3 parts: A “Cap the Well”
Challenge, an obstacle course, and a team
interview. In the Cap the Well Challenge, the
teams competed to stop the flow of “oil”
(actually plastic balls) from an underwater
well. In the obstacle course, the team had to
drive their robot through 3 hoops in the
swimming pool, then turn around and return to
the edge of the pool. For the team interview,
the students discussed what they learned through
the program with the program judges. The
students were judged in all three events.
The team with the fastest time to cap the well
was Team Pizza, from the Boys and Girls Club of
Edgewood. The Team with the fastest time in the
obstacle course was team JAMA from Techbrick
Robotics. For the overall score, the First Place
trophy went to the Havre de Grace High School
Tech Warriors, Second Place was awarded to
Techbrick Robotics Tactical Ducks, and third
place was awarded to Team Pizza, from the Boys
and Girls Club of Edgewood.
From the Army, Dr. Christopher Hoppel and Dr.
Sandra Young hosted the event. Judges included
Dr. Richard Becker, Jon Borenstein, and Lisa
Marvel from ARL, Ann Borenstein (retired ARL),
Dan Danner (Raytheon), Maria Hoppel and Michael
Tellup were in charge of underwater maintenance
during the challenge.
The students had a great time building the robot
and competing in the event. Afterwards, the
students and guests enjoyed a picnic at the
Shore Pool picnic area.
For more information visit:
www.techbrick.com
www.seaperch.org
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