By Guest Contributor: Darren Sinko

On Saturday December 1st, the North Bend Middle School Science Club competed at the North Bend Pool in a SeaPerch Competition against a group of science students from North Bend High School.

SeaPerch is a program in which students build and operate a simple Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) which can perform tasks underwater. At a SeaPerch Competition, students maneuver their ROVs through an obstacle course or use it to retrieve objects. In the past year, three SeaPerch competitions have been held in North Bend.

SeaPerch is one of two programs on the Oregon Coast that engage students in building and competing with underwater robots. In contrast to the MATE ROV program, SeaPerch involves simpler materials and competition requirements, which makes it an attractive option for middle school educators and students.

At Saturday’s SeaPerch competition, several middle school club members distinguished themselves by winning medals in multiple events.

RESULTS

Scavenger Hunt Event

• 1st Place  – 7th graders Orion Sinko and Beau Parrott
• 2nd Place  – 8^th graders Payten Henderson and Gillian Baxter
• 3rd Place – 6^th grader Jackson Allen

Obstacle Course

• 1st Place – 9th grader Johnny Flanagan and Madden Robertson
• 2nd Place – 7th graders Orion Sinko and Beau Parrott
• 3rd Place – 9th grader Sadie Wolfe

Coat Hanger Scavenger Hunt

• 1st Place – 7^th graders Orion Sinko and Beau Parrott
• 2nd Place – 8^th graders Payten Henderson and Gillian Baxter
• 3rd Place – 6^th grader Jackson Allen

The North Bend Science Club will be hosting another SeaPerch competition in early May at the North Bend Pool. Teachers who are interested in entering their students in this competition should contact Mr. Darren Sinko at North Bend Middle School.

Read more about the North Bend SeaPerch Competition in The World Link.

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Darren Sinko teaches science at North Bend Middle School, mentors the North Bend Science Club, and coordinates the SeaPerch competition in North Bend, OR. He can be reached at dsinko@nbend.k12.or.us

North Bend School District is a partner in the Oregon Coast STEM Hub.