Arkansas 4-H SeaPerch Challenge
If you have questions, please reach out to the STEM Instructor, Michelle McVay at mmcvay@uada.edu.
The Arkansas 4-H SeaPerch Challenge is held every year as a qualifier for the International SeaPerch Challenge.
The the 2025 Arkansas 4-H SeaPerch Challenge was held at the University of Arkansas Little Rock on March 14, 2025.
As in years past, the registration will be through your local county extension office. and team registrations will be $80/team. We will have the Open, Junior Stock & Senior Stock Classes available. Registration will need to be completed by Friday, February 14, 2025.
There are many resources available for the SeaPerch Challenge. Listed below are a few that have been found most useful. Click here for the 2020 webinar describing details about the SeaPerch program and that years SeaPerch Challenge. Be sure to check out the 2025 Challenge Course information as that section has changed. Feel free to contact your local county extension office with any questions.
- SeaPerch Kit
- Basic tools
- Construction Manual
- Testing pool (private pools, community pools, hotel)
- Extra Parts for competition - suggested extra motors, propellers & control box)
The 2025 Arkansas 4-H SeaPerch Challenge will have the classes listed below. For additional information about the classes for your teams check out this link..
- Junior Stock Class:
- Teams include students in 8th grade and below.
- The total cost of modifications to the final ROV must be $25 or less
- Frame built using only PVC, CPVC, PEX pipe and fittings. Any size pipes and pipe fittings may be used. Pipes and pipe fittings may be modified using hand and power tools, but may not be machined using CNC or other automated process.
- Must only use simple on/off switches for thruster controls
- May use PWM, microcontrollers, or other devices for non-thruster controls
- May use a fixed or variable resistor to reduce voltage
- Senior Stock Class:
- Teams include students in 9th grade and above
- The total cost of modifications to the final ROV must be $25 or less
- Frame built using only PVC, CPVC, PEX pipe and fittings. Any size pipes and pipe fittings may be used. Pipes and pipe fittings may be modified using hand and power tools, but may not be machined using CNC or other automated process.
- Must only use simple on/off switches for thruster controls
- May use PWM, microcontrollers, or other devices for non-thruster controls
- May use a fixed or variable resistor to reduce voltage
- Open Class:
- The cost of modifications may exceed $25
- Frame may include 3D printed or additive manufactured parts as well as other materials, and may be made using CNC machinery or other automated process.
- May include more than 3 thrusters (i.e., motor and propeller assembly)
- May use power conditioning or pulse-width modulation (PWM) controls for thruster controls
This year, teams will have 4 events for teams to be scored for placement. Details about scheduling will be announced closer to the competition. OPTIONAL events will be the Real-World Innovation Poster & Community Outreach Posters. Check out the info below.
- Technical Design Report: This is an updated version of the Engineering Notebook. This is a 5 page (maximum) document that outlines the Engineering Design Process for the team. Check out these instructions for the report. Follow the rubric carefully to make sure you get all the easy points! This will be a digital submission and must be submitted to Michelle McVay via Microsoft Form on February 21, 2025. If you are unable to access the form, please email Michelle McVay at mmcvay@uada.edu with the subjest SeaPerch Report - TEAM NAME.
- Meet the Team Interview: 4-H strives to develop well-rounded individuals that excel in soft skills such as presentation and interviews. Each team will present
their ROV to a panel of judges. Components of the presentation include introduction
of team, design of the ROV, modifications to fulfill tasks, successes, challenges,
and the engineering design process. Each member of the team must have a roll in the
presentation (even if it is just introducing themselves). Team members will have 5
minutes to introduce themselves and their SeaPerch. A short Q&A time will be at
the end of the interview by the judging panel. Possible Interview questions. and Scoring Rubric.
- Mission Course: In 2025, the Mission Course incorporates a mission related to Environmental Monitoring: Coral Restoration. The Coral Restoration Mission is a simulation of the tasks and environment that an ROV might encounter while working to recover and restore coral reefs! For full information of this year's Mission Course check here. In this pool course, teams will accumulate points for ranking via the following rubric.
- Obstacle Course: The obstacle course is a series of 5 hoops that allows for teams to navigate through the water. This is a timed event and will have 2 chances to run to get their best time. For full information of this year's Obstacle Course check here. In this pool course, teams will accumulate points for ranking via the following rubric.
** As a reminder, Pool Event Rules must be followed at the Competition. Check here for full information.**
Optional Events:
- Real-World Innovation Poster: This is an OPTIONAL event for the SeaPerch Challenge. This will allow for teams to think outside the box about how the ROV technology can be utilized for real world applications. Check out the instructions for the poster and rubric for direction.
- Community Outreach Project: This is a OPTIONAL event for the SeaPerch Challenge. Whether you volunteer your time in your community,
or your team finds a way to connect and offer support—share what the SeaPerch Teams
are doing in their communities. Details can be found at Community Outreach!
2025 Competition Details
The competition will be held in-person on Friday, March 14, 2025 at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock pool. Registration is due at NOON on Friday, February 14, 2025. Click here to Register you team for the 2025 Competition.
The Engineering Notebook has been replaced with the Technical Design Report. . This report is a 5 page maximum report with the following sections:
1. Abstract (1/2 page)
2. Task Overview (1/2 page)
3. Design Approach (2 pages)
4. Experimental Results (1 page)
5. Reflection & Next Steps (1 page)
6. Acknowledgements (no page limit)
7. References (no page limit)
Be sure to check the resources below for full details of the report and the rubric. Be sure to check the rubric for those EASY points!
Technical Design Reports will be a digital submission and must be submitted to Michelle McVay via Microsoft Form by February 21, 2025. If you are unable to access the form, please email Michelle McVay at mmcvay@uada.edu with the subjest SeaPerch Report - TEAM NAME.
4-H strives to develop well-rounded individuals that excel in soft skills such as presentation and interviews. Each team will present their ROV to a panel of judges. Components of the presentation include introduction of team, design of the ROV, modifications to fulfill tasks, successes, challenges, and the engineering design process. Each member of the team must have a roll in the presentation (even if it is just introducing themselves). Team members will have 5 minutes to introduce themselves and their SeaPerch. A short Q&A time will be at the end of the interview by the judging panel. Possible Interview questions. and Scoring Rubric.
**Interview times will be announced after registration.**
- Mission Course: In 2025, the Mission Course incorporates a mission related to Environmental Monitoring: Coral Restoration. The Coral Restoration Mission is a simulation of the tasks and environment that an ROV might encounter while working to recover and restore coral reefs! For full information of this year's Mission Course check here. In this pool course, teams will accumulate points for ranking via the following rubric.
- Obstacle Course: The obstacle course is a series of 5 hoops that allows for teams to navigate through the water. This is a timed event and will have 2 chances to run to get their best time. For full information of this year's Obstacle Course check here. In this pool course, teams will accumulate points for ranking via the following rubric.
** As a reminder, Pool Event Rules must be followed at the Competition. Check here for full information.**
- Real-World Innovation Poster: This is an OPTIONAL event for the SeaPerch Challenge. This will allow for teams to think outside the box about how the ROV technology can be utilized for real world applications. Check out the instructions for the poster and rubric for direction.
- Community Outreach Project: This is a OPTIONAL event for the SeaPerch Challenge. Whether you volunteer your time in your community, or your team finds a way to connect and offer support—share what the SeaPerch Teams are doing in their communities. Details can be found at Community Outreach!
Optional Event Projects will be submitted with the Technical Design Reports as a digital submission and must be submitted to Michelle McVay via Microsoft Form by February 21, 2025. If you are unable to access the form, please email Michelle McVay at mmcvay@uada.edu with the subjest SeaPerch Report - TEAM NAME.
2025 Competition Results
Congratulations to all the teams for competing this year!
Award | County | Team Name |
Open Class - Overall | ||
Open Class 1st Place * | Grant | Aquanauts |
Open Class 2nd Place | Madison | The Rolling Stokes |
Open Class 3rd Place | Washington | BZBot |
Open Class - Challenge Course | ||
Open Challenge Course 1st Place | Grant | Aquanauts |
Open Challenge Course 2nd Place | Union | Fishy MCG |
Open Challenge Course 3rd Place | Madison | The Rolling Stokes |
Open Class - Obstacle Course | ||
Open Obstacle Course 1st Place | Grant | Aquanauts |
Open Obstacle Course 2nd Place | Madison | The Rolling Stokes |
Open Obstacle Course 3rd Place | Garland | Wolverines |
Open Class - Presentation | ||
Open Presentation 1st Place | Grant | Aquanauts |
Open Presentation 2nd Place | Washington | BZBot |
Open Presentation 3rd Place | Union | South Arkansas Quackheads |
Open Class - Technical Design Report | ||
Open Technical Design Report 1st Place | Grant | Aquanauts |
Open Technical Design Report 2nd Place | Washington | BZBot |
Open Technical Design Report 3rd Place | Madison | The Rolling Stokes |
*International SeaPerch Challenge Qualifier
Award | County | Team Name |
Senior Stock Class - Overall | ||
Senior Stock Class 1st Place * | Grant | DeepWater Vanguard |
Senior Stock Class 2nd Place | Madison | Riptide |
Senior Stock Class 3rd Place | Grant | Splashers |
Senior Stock - Challenge Course | ||
Senior Stock Challenge Course 1st Place | Grant | Splashers |
Senior Stock Challenge Course 2nd Place | Grant | DeepWater Vanguard |
Senior Stock Challenge Course 3rd Place | Madison | Riptide |
Senior Stock - Obstacle Course | ||
Senior Stock Obstacle Course 1st Place | Grant | DeepWater Vanguard |
Senior Stock Obstacle Course 2nd Place | Madison | Riptide |
Senior Stock Obstacle Course 3rd Place | Grant | Splashers |
Senior Stock - Presentation | ||
Senior Stock Presentation 1st Place | Madison | Riptide |
Senior Stock Presentation 2nd Place | Howard | Coral Crusaders |
Senior Stock Presentation 3rd Place | Grant | DeepWater Vanguard |
Senior Stock - Technical Design Report | ||
Senior Stock Technical Design Report 1st Place | Grant | DeepWater Vanguard |
Senior Stock Technical Design Report 2nd Place | Howard | Coral Crusaders |
Senior Stock Technical Design Report 3rd Place | Madison | Riptide |
*International SeaPerch Challenge Qualifier
Award | County | Team Name |
Junior Stock Class - Overall | ||
Junior Stock Class 1st Place * | Grant | Hydro Rappers |
Junior Stock Class 2nd Place * | Grant | Sea-Cret Agents |
Junior Stock Class 3rd Place | Grant | The Wave Makers |
Junior Stock - Challenge Course | ||
Junior Stock Challenge Course 1st Place | Grant | Hydro Rappers |
Junior Stock Challenge Course 2nd Place | Grant | Sea-Cret Agents |
Junior Stock Challenge Course 3rd Place | Grant | Poseidon |
Junior Stock - Obstacle Course | ||
Junior Stock Obstacle Course 1st Place | Grant | Sea-Cret Agents |
Junior Stock Obstacle Course 2nd Place | Grant | Poseidon |
Junior Stock Obstacle Course 3rd Place | Grant | The Wave Makers |
Junior Stock - Presentation | ||
Junior Stock Presentation 1st Place | Howard | Snoopjaws |
Junior Stock Presentation 2nd Place | Grant | The Wave Makers |
Junior Stock Presentation 3rd Place | Grant | Hydro Rappers |
Junior Stock - Technical Design Report | ||
Junior Stock Technical Design Report 1st Place | Grant | The Wave Makers |
Junior Stock Technical Design Report 2nd Place | Howard | Snoopjaws |
Junior Stock Technical Design Report 3rd Place | Pulaski | Crimson Cats |
*International SeaPerch Challenge Qualifier
1st Place - BZBot, Washington County
2nd Place - Deep Water Vanguard, Grant County