The Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center buzzed with innovation this weekend as educators dove into the world of underwater robotics, building their own Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) in a hands-on workshop. This isn’t just about assembling kits—it’s about equipping teachers to inspire the next generation of marine tech pioneers.
At the heart of the workshop is a simple but powerful idea: if you want students to grasp complex concepts, let them build the tools that explore them. Andrea Schmuttermair, an instructor with Project ROV, put it bluntly: “Their goal is to go through the build themselves so they can then implement this in their classrooms.” These educators aren’t just learning to build ROVs; they’re learning to teach resilience, problem-solving, and real-world application of STEM principles.
The workshop, hosted by the MATE ROV Competition, is more than a training session—it’s a pipeline for talent. Jody Patterson, MATE’s workshop leader, emphasized the real-world relevance: “These teachers are learning how to build the technologies that support all of those sciences.” From ocean acidification to invasive species, the competition’s mission challenges mirror pressing environmental issues, turning classrooms into labs for innovation.
For many educators, this workshop is their first dive into ROV construction. They’ll take their completed robots home, not as trophies, but as teaching tools. Patterson explained, “They’ll take all of these robots home with them and be able to demonstrate them for the classroom and for their students and then have their students completely rebuild them.” This hands-on approach ensures that students don’t just hear about marine technology—they build it, break it, and fix it, just like the pros.
Daniel Moffatt, TBNMS stewardship and education specialist, highlighted the broader impact: “This weekend workshop represents an opportunity to increase and broaden awareness of our National Marine Sanctuary system through marine technology and conservation.” By empowering educators, the workshop extends the reach of the sanctuary, turning classrooms into hubs for marine stewardship.
The ripple effect of this workshop could be profound. As educators bring their new skills back to their schools, they’re not just teaching robotics—they’re fostering a mindset of innovation. The MATE ROV Competition provides a stage for these students to showcase their solutions, but the real victory is in the process: the collaboration, the problem-solving, and the realization that they’re not just learning about the ocean—they’re shaping its future.