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SCORE hosts SeaPerch professional development training to expand hands-on STEM learning in regional classrooms.
An educator operates a SeaPerch remotely operated vehicle as it moves through a large water tank during underwater robotics testing.

A teachers test pilots her robot at the tank, celebrating a successful final trial at the end of the training session.

Auburn University’s Southeastern Center of Robotics Education (SCORE) hosted a SeaPerch underwater robotics training, bringing hands-on STEM learning to educators from across the region.

SeaPerch is a global underwater robotics program that allows participants to build and operate remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) in school and community settings. Designed for upper elementary through high school students, the program introduces engineering, science and design concepts while helping reduce barriers to robotics education through affordable, reusable kits.

Twenty-one teachers representing 15 schools participated in the free professional development training, earning professional development credit while learning how to build and operate underwater robots. Each teacher will return to their school with a SeaPerch kit to implement the program with their students.

“The SeaPerch platform is very hands-on and stretches me so I understand how it will challenge the kids as well,” said Marri Lynn Gregory, an attendee and teacher at Beulah Elementary School. “I feel empowered. This training has helped me be more comfortable with SeaPerch.”

A close-up view of a soldering station, circuit board and tools used during hands-on SeaPerch robotics instruction.

Soldering electrical components was an important skill learned, bringing teachers technical skills to play.

The training was led by Rachel McDonald, ROV program coordinator with Dauphin Island Sea Lab. She emphasized SeaPerch’s accessibility and its ability to teach real-world problem solving and environmental awareness.

“It is a good introductory platform to the world of underwater robotics. The kits are small and inexpensive, which makes more affordable,” said McDonald. She added, “We are thankful for SCORE and the opportunity to share SeaPerch with a new set of educators.”

Competitors can advance to regional events and qualify for the International SeaPerch Challenge, an invitation-only competition that features real-world inspired tasks. This year’s challenge will take place on May 30 in College Park, Maryland. Locally, students will have the opportunity to compete at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab on Mar. 21, 2026.

The program encourages students to think about how robotics can support environmental science, including ocean research and cleanup efforts, connecting technology to biology and sustainability.

Through programs like SeaPerch, SCORE continues to expand access to innovative STEM education, preparing students and educators to explore new technologies and apply them for the greater good.