A recent class taught at St. Michael the Archangel School in Clayton included a “sub,” but it wasn’t the teacher.
The Remote Operated Vehicle class had seventh and eighth graders construct a small, remote-operated submersible, and learn about engineering, buoyancy, problem-solving and teamwork.
Joanne Carroll taught the year-long class, which consisted of four eighth graders and three seventh graders, including some aspiring engineers.
The course was developed in conjunction with the Office of Naval Research, which hopes to form the next generation of naval engineers and scientists, through the teaching of naval engineering, science, and technology, and the building of the submersible robotic vehicles.
Last month, Drexel University hosted the inaugural National SeaPerch Challenge in Philadelphia, bringing together middle and high school students from across the United States and Hawaii, with their submersibles.
Unfortunately, the team from St. Michael school couldn’t make it, but they were able to test out the submersible, which is “the size of a shoebox,” said Carroll, in their teacher’s backyard pool.
St. Micheal students also received help from Ed McGuckin, a retired engineer who spent 40 years working with the United States Navy, in weapons handling and storage.
The students “were very enthusiastic,” said McGuckin, who helped the team acquire circuit boards, and helped with the wiring and soldering.
at the bottom and then tap “Add to Home Screen”
