Educators engage in hands-on learning during the underwater robotics workshop at USF.
Educators from Florida participated in a hands-on workshop at the University of South Florida, focusing on underwater robotics. Hosted by USF’s Florida Institute of Oceanography, the event trained teachers in designing and constructing remotely operated vehicles (ROVs). This initiative aims to enrich STEM education and inspire students in marine technology careers. Future workshops are planned to further support teachers and students in the field.
St. Petersburg, Florida – Educators from across Florida recently gathered for a hands-on workshop focused on underwater robotics at the University of South Florida (USF) St. Petersburg campus. Hosted by USF’s Florida Institute of Oceanography in collaboration with the Marine Technology Society’s MATE (Marine Advanced Technology Education) program, the event aimed to equip approximately 25 middle and high school science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) teachers with the latest skills and knowledge in marine technology.
The two-day workshop featured comprehensive training on the design and construction of remotely operated vehicles (ROVs). Participants engaged in hands-on activities that allowed them to design, build, and test their own ROVs, culminating in a demonstration at the campus pool where educators had the opportunity to fine-tune their creations.
Monty Graham, the director of USF’s Florida Institute of Oceanography, underscored the workshop’s objective of empowering educators to integrate underwater robotics and engineering concepts into their classrooms. The collaboration with MATE emphasizes a commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders in marine science and technology in Florida.
Further supporting this initiative, Ruthmae Sears, a professor of mathematics education at USF and associate director of the Coalition for Science Literacy, noted that the workshop provided teachers with valuable tools to transform their instruction and enhance real-world applications of STEM in marine and ocean sciences. Plans are in place for Sears to extend this training to her network of educators in Pinellas and Hillsborough Counties, ensuring that the knowledge gained can reach even more teachers and students.
Looking to the future, USF’s Florida Institute of Oceanography and MATE are committed to organizing additional workshops and competition programs centered on underwater robotics for educators along Florida’s west coast. This initiative is part of a broader effort to strengthen the USF STEM ecosystem and support teachers who play a critical role in guiding the future workforce in STEM fields.
With an increasing emphasis on STEM education and the importance of real-world applications, the underwater robotics workshop represents a significant step towards enhancing educational practices within Florida’s schools. By providing teachers with the necessary skills and knowledge, the initiative not only enriches the educators’ curriculum but also inspires a new generation of students to explore careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
In summary, the workshop at USF serves as a pivotal opportunity for educators to embrace innovative teaching strategies and foster a deeper understanding of marine technology, ultimately benefiting both teachers and their students in the long run.
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