An eighth-grade student robotics team from Pacific Ridge School in Carlsbad earned a coveted spot competing in the International SeaPerch Challenge, placing fifth overall out of 181 teams from 31 states and four countries. The global competition was held May 31-June 1 at the University of Maryland and represents the pinnacle of achievement in the SeaPerch underwater robotics program, according to a news release.
Team Isaac Davidson, Jonah Vieceli, Jeffery Ding, and Gryffin Wilson (a Rancho Santa Fe resident) competed in a series of demanding events, including an obstacle course, a complex technical mission, and a scored Technical Design Report (only the highest scoring teams are invited to present). Their performance showcased advanced robotics skills, creative problem-solving, and a strong command of engineering principles.
“This team competed against the best underwater robotics students in the world and prevailed,” says Hunter Pashkow, head of the Pacific Ridge robotics programs, in the news release. “We are so proud of their hard work and look forward to their continued success in robotics.”
SeaPerch is an integrated STEM education program that guides participants through a real-world engineering and design project centered around building an underwater Remotely Operated Vehicle. The program uses hands-on methods to equip students and teachers with the resources needed to learn basic science and engineering concepts such as tool safety, technical applications, problem solving and team work.
Founded in 2007, Pacific Ridge School serves over 660 students as an independent, nonprofit, college preparatory school for grades six through 12.
