Mission, Texas- Veterans Memorial High School (VMHS) students competing in the SeaPerch Challenge at HESTEC (Hispanic Engineering, Science and Technology Week) at The University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) have earned themselves a trip to national competitions. This is a type of underwater robotics competition. The team placed second at the U.S. Navy SeaPerch Challenge and qualified for the 6th Annual National SeaPerch Challenge that will be held in May at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. This is the first time a SeaPerch team from VMHS has advanced out of the HESTEC competition to nationals.
The team members are (left to right): Raul Garcia (coach), Kellen Shults, Hector Iglesias, Feliciano Escobedo, Joaida Tornes, Rene Olivarez. Not pictured is Jose Flores, coach.
In the SeaPerch Challenge, students build an underwater Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV)from a kit comprised of low-cost, easily accessible parts. It is designed to teach basic Engineering and Science concepts with a marine engineering theme. Students learn Engineering concepts, problem solving, teamwork, and technical applications. The program tries to teach basic skills in ship and submarine design and encourages students to explore naval architecture and marine and ocean-related Engineering principles. Safety and technical procedures also play a role in the activities.
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