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SeaPerch: Building ROVs in the Classroom

Two boys in maroon shirts hold a string near a pool, one pointing. A man in jeans and a black shirt with a coffee cup stands beside them.
Two children kneel by a pool, assembling a PVC pipe structure with blue floatation elements and black cables.

For the third year in a row, fifth-grade students at Portsmouth Christian Academy have taken part in an challenging hands-on learning experience—building their own submersibles for the regional SeaPerch competition. SeaPerch is an educational program that teaches students to construct underwater remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), equipping educators with the tools and training to guide the process. The quarter-long classroom project not only enforces science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) to our students but also strengthens teamwork, problem-solving, and creativity as they prepare to put their vehicles to the test.

Children in uniforms operate remote-controlled devices at the edge of a pool, while adults oversee and guide them.
Three kids by a swimming pool hold a small, white, homemade ROV. They are dressed in casual clothes, smiling and standing on a tiled pool deck.

A Lesson in Engineering and Teamwork

Each year, fifth-grade students team up in groups of three to design, build, and test their own submersibles. These aren’t just simple models—they’re fully functional ROVs designed to maneuver and complete tasks in the water. To succeed, students must carefully plan their designs, select the correct materials, and collaborate to troubleshoot and refine their creations.

Three boys wearing safety glasses work on a project involving cables and wooden pieces at a classroom table.
Two children in a classroom work on a craft project involving string. One child wears a pink shirt, and the other is in a purple hoodie. A water bottle and tablet are on the table.
A young boy works on an electronic project with guidance from an adult in a classroom setting. Other students are visible in the background, engaged in similar activities.
Children in costumes work together on an educational project with PVC pipes at a classroom table.

Throughout the process, students gain valuable engineering skills in buoyancy, force, and materials science while also strengthening their communication and teamwork. Working together, they refine their designs to ensure their submersibles perform at their best.

A group of children operates a remotely controlled device in a pool, with one girl extending a cable into the water. They are focused on an aquatic activity or demonstration.
A girl crouches by a pool edge, operating a remote-controlled underwater device with wires, surrounded by other people.

Testing and Competing at the Regional Competition

At PCA, students put their submersibles to the test, applying their classroom knowledge to real-world scenarios. Using our campus facilities, they assess their designs for buoyancy, maneuverability, and safety, making adjustments based on their findings. They then move on to the University of New Hampshire’s Swasey Pool, where they refine their ROVs in a controlled environment, simulating competition conditions and identifying areas for improvement. There, they also compete to determine which teams will advance to the regional competition.

After weeks of dedication, the real challenge begins. Three teams from the fifth grade will advance to the state competition at the University of New Hampshire, where their submersibles must navigate two challenges: a timed obstacle course and a task-based event where points are earned for completed operations. PCA students have a strong track record, consistently placing in the top four against experienced teams from across the state.

The competition is both intense and exciting. Beyond testing their designs, students have the chance to connect with peers from other schools, exchange ideas, and explore innovative approaches. It’s a valuable learning experience that fosters growth, teamwork, and a deeper appreciation for engineering and problem-solving.

Children by a swimming pool, engaging in an activity. A digital timer is visible in the background, and several adults and kids are watching.
Three teenagers standing poolside at an indoor swimming event, holding stopwatches and a clipboard, with spectators in the background.

Looking Ahead

As the program continues to evolve, future students will take on even more advanced and exciting challenges.

This submersible-building experience goes beyond a classroom project—it’s an immersive way for students to explore STEM through hands-on learning. It also highlights the impact of collaboration between schools, government organizations, and universities in creating meaningful educational opportunities that inspire the next generation of engineers and innovators.

More than just a competition, SeaPerch fosters a global community of students who support and learn from one another. Hosted annually by volunteer coordinators worldwide, these events range from local expositions to regional qualifiers, with top teams earning a spot at the International SeaPerch Challenge.

Competition Bound

A big congratulations to the three fifth-grade teams that won PCA’s in-house competition and will advance to the regional SeaPerch competition at the University of New Hampshire on April 11, 2025!

Great job to the winning teams:

  • 5A Team – Gabe M., Teo D., Nolan T.
  • 5B Team – Seamus L., Sophie H., Liam M.
  • 5C Team – Thalia S., Eli H., Harper B.

Join us on April 11, 2025, at UNH’s Swasey Pool to cheer on our fifth-grade teams! We hope to see you there!