Congratulations to the John Gray Aqua Lasers Too and Layman E. Scott Brac Bots for representing Cayman at this year’s International SeaPerch Challenge at the University of Massachusetts in Dartmouth.
The Aqua Lasers Too team comprised of Diamond White, Davonte Howell, Alvan Boxwell, and Caleb Feare placed 7th overall out of 81 schools in the middle school challenges, while the Brac Bots team of Kenny Ryan and David Tibbetts placed 21st out of 76 schools in the high school division of the competition.
JGHS Aqua Lasers coach Desmond White says the teams performance is "quite commendable".
"They worked very hard in their preparations and represented the Cayman Islands with pride. The lessons learned from their 7th place placement will serve them well as they look forward to the opportunity to earn a place in the competition again next year," says White.
“Our team views participation in the international event as a valuable learning experience,” says Brac Bots coach Michael Bryan. “We are heartened by the unwavering support given and appreciate everything done by all.”
SeaPerch is a robotics program that equips teachers and students with the resources they need to build an underwater Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV). During the competition, students test their vehicles, navigate an obstacle course and compete in specific challenges. The Aqua Lasers and Brac Bots teams won their division at the Cayman SeaPerch challenge to qualify for the international competition.
More than 200 student teams participated at the international challenge, including regional winners from middle and high schools as well as from 4-H, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, home schoolers, and other groups who have earned the right to compete against their peers on the national stage.
“We are delighted to see such impressive results from the Aqua Lasers and Brac Bots teams, and are proud of how well the teams represented Cayman,” says Glenda McTaggart, Dart Education Programmes Manager.
Additionally, the Aqua Lasers were one of ten teams selected to present their understanding of engineering principles and design concepts through an Engineering Notebook at this year's challenge.
"The team remains extremely grateful for the opportunity afforded them by the sponsors, Maples and Minds Inspired, and will certainly be aiming to improve their performance in all areas," says Aqua Lasers coach White.
The long-term goal of the Cayman Islands SeaPerch Challenge is to encourage more students to study STEM subjects and ultimately, pursue STEM-related careers. “With the expanding growth of the global marine engineering industry and Cayman’s own maritime heritage, developing young people is critical for the Cayman Islands to emerge as a leader," says McTaggart.
Interested in taking part in the 2019 SeaPerch Challenge? Talk to your science teacher today and ask them to contact