The University of Rhode Island hosted more than 100 middle school students on April 1 for the General Dynamics Electric Boat Rhode Island Competition, where teams tested their skills in building and navigating underwater robots at the Tootell Aquatic Center.
The event brought together students from several schools across Rhode Island, including Kickemuit Middle School in Warren, West Broadway Middle School in Providence, Jamestown School in Jamestown, Nathanael Greene Middle School in Providence, and DelSesto Middle School in Providence. Teams of two to three students each competed by guiding their handmade robots through a series of underwater obstacle courses.
Participants constructed their robots using PVC pipes and other components such as wired remotes and propellers. The SeaPerch program supplied materials for the competition. SeaPerch is an international initiative that provides robotics kits to schools to help introduce students to engineering concepts, maritime trades, design principles, and problem-solving skills.
Kickemuit Team #2 won first place honors on the mission course while Kickemuit Team #6 placed second and Jamestown Team #1 finished third. In the obstacle course event, Kickemuit Team #5 secured first place followed by Jamestown Team #13 and Kickemuit Team #2. Awards were presented after the competitions concluded.
The UConn-URI Navy STEM Coalition organized the event with support from General Dynamics Electric Boat through funding provided by the U.S. Navy’s Maritime Industrial Base Program under the ANCHOR contract. Organizers said this partnership enables continued investment in workforce development initiatives and science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education.
