Not even overcast skies and morning showers could stop the creativity and ingenuity of budding scientists in the St. Croix district's SeaPerch Robotics Competition held March 25 at the Vincent Mason Pool in Frederiksted. In the end, Elena Christian Junior High School robotics students, under the direction of Steve Bullock, took home the top prize in the district.
Six teams representing four schools participated in this year's competition, including John H. Woodson Jr. High (two teams), Elena Christian Jr. High (one team), St. Croix Career and Technical Education Center (two teams) and St. Croix Central High School (one team). In the end, Elena Christian's Robo-Simbas won first place at the junior high level and were also named the overall district winners. CTEC's Jelly Fish won first place at the high school level.
The Department of Education will sponsor the Robo-Simbas to attend the National SeaPerch Competition, May 19-20, 2017 at Georgia Tech in Atlanta. CTEC's Jelly Fish will also attend the competition.
SeaPerch is an innovative underwater robotics program that equips teachers and students with the resources they need to build an underwater Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) in an in-school or out-of-school setting. It also teaches basic science and engineering concepts and tool safety and technical procedures. The program is facilitated by the Department of the Navy, Office of Naval Research. It is brought to local schools through the assistance of STEAM Director Shamika Williams-Henley.
The Department of Education thanks the Department of Sports, Parks and Recreation, as well as volunteer judges and drivers, advisors, students and parents for assisting with the success of this year's competition.
