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Healthcare Degree Distance LearningWest O‘ahu offers their healthcare administration degree via distance learning. Read moreUnderwater RobotsHigh school students learn about science and mechanics through GEAR UP summer program. Read more
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Farrington High School's Melanie Takashima works on her underwater robot.
Underwater Robots
High school students enrolled in the Manoa GEAR UP Summer Academy built their own underwater remotely operated vehicles while at the same time learning critical partnership-building skills from undergraduate peer mentors from the Kapi'olani Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Program.
The underwater robotic technology, termed Sea Perch, was developed by MIT Sea Grant and uses materials found at any local hardware store. The students attach plankton nets, underwater video cameras and/or other water quality monitoring devices to conduct scientific experiments in areas where scuba gear would normally be needed.
“The students feel a wonderful sense of accomplishment when the Sea Perch works,” says Kapi'olani STEM Program Coordinator Keolani Noa. “The materials are found in hardware stores and are easy to relate to, and they learn intricate electrical skills, but most importantly they learn how to listen to each other and work collaboratively. This is invaluable.”
“STEM subjects are often thought of as abstract and intimidating to students, but the robotic construction aspect of the program allows for a fun and engaging learning environment,” says Manoa GEAR UP Academic Support Specialist Erwin Legaspi.