PICRC launches new student program on building underwater robots

A new student program at the Palau International Coral Reef Center (PICRC) offered an exciting hands-on learning experience for 16 students from grades 8 and 9. The STEM Summer Camp, held from June 16-20, was conducted in partnership with Palau Community College-Talent Search Program.

Selected students from George B. Harris Elementary School, Koror Elementary School, Airai Elementary School, Peleliu Elementary School, Emmaus-Bethania High School, and Palau High School took part in a week of engaging activities related to marine science, including a fish dissection workshop, an algae lab, and a plankton workshop, as well as the construction of the SeaMate’s Angelfish Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs). 

In a scientific setting, ROVs are designed to explore underwater environments that are beyond human reach, such as the deep-ocean. However, the smaller ROVs that the students built are for education purposes, mainly used in a pool or aquarium setting. Through this process, students were introduced to engineering and design, with concepts of marine conservation, exploration, and monitoring.

Working in teams, the students learned to use the tools, wire electric components from scratch, and design and test their robots. The camp concluded with an exciting ROV competition, where the teams used their robots to collect as many objects as possible from the bottom of an aquarium tub.

“By building ROVs, the students had a hands-on learning experience, developing skills in science, engineering, technology, and design,” stated PICRC Director of Outreach, Imade Tellei. “These skills will be valuable as they continue their education and pursue careers, potentially becoming the future marine researchers of PICRC.”

Pre-and-post program surveys showed measurable growth in the students’ understanding of underwater robotics and deep-sea environments. Many students shared that they’d come to realize how intertwined science and technology is, and how there’s still so much to explore and research in Palau’s ocean.

The Camp concluded with a cultural tour hosted by Ngaraard State, where students visited the Fountain of Youth and explored significant historical sites tied to the legendary love story of Surech and Tulei. This was followed by a field trip to the Rock Islands on the last day, which included a beach clean-up and certificate ceremony celebrating the students’ accomplishments.

PICRC extends it sincere thanks to our partners, Ngaraard State Government and Koror State Government Department of Conservation and Law Enforcement, for their support in making the field trips a success.