The Ocean School, in partnership with The Bay Foundation and the Center for Santa Monica Bay Studies at Loyola Marymount U. (LMU), hosted 24 middle school students last weekend, August 20-21, at the LMU Campus Pool for a workshop to design and build underwater remote operated vehicles (ROVs.)
These high-tech submarines provide a unique opportunity for kids to experience the hands-on value and fun of STEAM learning, alongside experts in the field. The design challenge was open to rising 5th-7th grade students.
Students were introduced to the basic principles of buoyancy and thrust as they are guided through a discovery-based process in small teams.
They had the opportunity to experience the full scope of an engineering challenge, from concept design through final testing. At the workshop’s conclusion, each design team’s model ROV will be able to compete in the LMU pool, navigating an underwater obstacle course against the clock. Several high-tech ROVs will also be on display, according to organizers.
This workshop offered an example of the “21st Century Learning” that many believe to be the most effective educational model for the future.
“21st Century Learning applies a new set of approaches to instruction that actively engage the students in their education and require them to apply their learning to real-world challenges,” said Ocean School founder, Jeff McConaghy. “Students are empowered to move beyond just thinking about the world’s problems towards actually solving them!”
The workshop registration fee is $150 per student, which includes all materials, instruction, lunch both days, and a tee-shirt.
The workshop featured special guest Kevin Klemens, CEO of Endurance Marine Exploration, shared what is transpiring in the professional world of ROVs. For more details, visit TheOceanSchool.org.
