Underwater Robotics Workshop Planned for Teachers

Dr. Nicole Cardwell-Hampton, director of youth programs for the Walters State Division of Workforce Training, shows a TI-Innovator rover device that is used in training computer programming. Cardwell-Hampton is hosting a free workshop showing teachers how to teach underwater robotics and, if interested,, start a team to compete in the coming year.

Free Underwater Robotics Workshop for Teachers July 12-13

Walters State Community College will host a free underwater robotics workshop for teachers July 12-13 on the Morristown Campus. 

“This is a great opportunity for area teachers to learn how to share this great STEM activity with students,” said Dr. Nicole Cardwell-Hampton, director of youth programs in Walters State’s Division of Workforce Training. “While it is not required, teachers will have the ability to start an underwater robotics team to compete in local competitions planned by Walters State next spring. Competition goes all the way to a world championship.”

This hands-on workshop will cover the basic elements involved in building a remotely operated vehicle (ROV), including soldering, framing, design and safety considerations. Just like students, teachers attending this workshop with launch their ROV into water and program commands. If needed, teachers will troubleshoot to determine why the ROV is not working properly.

Cardwell-Hampton said that underwater robotics competition includes much more than science, technology, engineering and math. Team members build leadership skills, manage a budget, and develop public speaking and presentation skills. 

The sessions run from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. each day and registration can be completed at www.ws.edu/youthprograms. Space is limited. For more information, contact Cardwell-Hampton at Nicole.Cardwell-HamptonFREEWS.