Underwater robotics workshop inspires STEM educators

Educators from across Florida are bringing underwater robotics concepts back to their classrooms after a recent workshop at the University of South Florida (USF) St. Petersburg campus.

Hosted by USF’s Florida Institute of Oceanography in collaboration with Marine Technology Society’s MATE (Marine Advanced Technology Education) program, the workshop trained science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) teachers on the latest marine technology, and how to build remotely operated vehicles. Over two intensive days, about two dozen participants immersed themselves in the fundamentals of underwater robotics, including designing, building and testing remotely operated vehicles.

25 middle and high school teachers came to the two-day workshop to build and test remotely operated vehicles at USF St. Petersburg.

Monty Graham, director of USF’s Florida Institute of Oceanography, said the workshop was designed to equip educators with skills to integrate underwater robotics and engineering concepts into their curriculum.

“One of our core missions is to cultivate and inspire the next generation of marine science and technology leaders here in Florida,” Graham said. “Our collaboration with MATE plays a pivotal role in achieving this goal by providing both teachers and young minds with invaluable, hands-on experiences and practical skills.”

The workshop culminated in a demonstration at the campus pool, where the teachers tested and fine-tuned their remotely operated vehicles. Attendees also learned about how to engage students in STEM learning through hands-on activities, developing strategies to bring real-world applications of marine technology back to their schools and classrooms.

“The workshop provided opportunities for STEM teachers to learn about robots used underwater and to consider ways to transform their instruction by promoting applications of STEM in marine and ocean sciences,” said Ruthmae Sears, USF professor of mathematics education and associate director of the Coalition for Science Literacy. “Additionally, this workshop helped strengthen the USF STEM ecosystem by supporting teachers who can subsequently support the future workforce.” 

Sears participated in the workshop and plans to expand the training to her network of teachers in Pinellas and Hillsborough Counties.

USF’s Florida Institute of Oceanography and MATE hope to create further opportunities for educators to prepare their students for careers in STEM fields by bringing robotics workshops and future competition programs to Florida’s west coast.

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