“This program has thoroughly enhanced my sons life. He not only talks about what he learned from the program, but will follow through when he returns home to do research. on his own…… I have read the attached newsletter. Thank you for always keeping us abreast of the plans for Marine Tech. My son is really enjoying the program.” - Jennifer Taylor
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Highlights:

  • 40 Math, Science and Technology Education teachers and 80 students

  • Two-week summer academies for students focusing on Marine Kits in Year-1, Sea Perch Robot in Year-2 and Human Powered Container Ship in Year-3

  • Show case and competition at the end of each year

  • Stipend & counseling services for students

  • Two-day summer workshop for teachers

  • On-line training for teachers

  • Each participating teacher will receive : 1 Sea Perch Robot Kit, 4 Marine Kits and Associated Curriculum.

  • Each participating teacher will receive a stipend of $ 1,800 and six graduate credits for three years of participation.

Program Summary:

Old Dominion University, Norfolk State University and Longwood University are working collaboratively with marine industry and school systems in this ITEST Strategies Project to improve STEM preparation using innovative experiences for students and teachers in the racially diverse and economically disadvantaged Southside, Central, and Eastern Virginia school divisions. The project targets 60 students in grades six through twelve, in three geographical areas over a period of three years. During the project, the project staff will provide marine engineering, science and technology experiences for 144 hours per year per student (8 Saturdays during the academic year, two-week summer academies per year including field trips and externships to shipbuilding and repair companies, marine science museums and industry research facilities.

The project addresses the urgent need to enhance under-represented students' interest and performance in STEM courses, while fostering skills that are important prerequisites for STEM careers, particularly in marine engineering and information technology. The project also addresses the critical shortage of qualified workers to sustain the defense ship building and repair industry and information technology industry in USA.

ODU’s marine engineering technologists, researchers and staff will serve as facilitators for the MarineTech project activities.   The project will integrate Sea Perch robotics, ship design, ship building, shipyard operations and ship disaster investigation-related instructional activities for underwater and above-water vehicles.  The MarineTech curriculum is aligned with both state and national technology education standards, math standards, science standards, and 21st century skills. 

The teacher training component of the project targets 40 STEM teachers, each of whom will receive 16 hours of summer professional development and 20 hours of follow-up support each year.  For participating in the MarineTech project, teachers will receive six graduate credits and $1,800 stipend for three years of participation.