Tasman teens get to the USA for a science and engineering competition

 

Caitlin Pilcher and Thorben Therkleson at the International SeaPerch competitions at the University of Maryland, Washington DC.

Two teenagers Caitlin Pilcher and Thorben Therkleson, from Waimea College, traveled to Washington DC to compete in the International SeaPerch competitions last week.

They called themselves the Narwhal - Matariki Team and were able to compete as they became the Tasman winners of the NZ AquaBots National Competition.

 

The International SeaPerch event is large with many schools working all year around with their students on their AquaBot and tactics. Our Tasman team found out less than 2 months ago that they could go and compete. 

Their parents are so proud of the effort that the team has put into the event and thanked again all those who supported the team.

One can just see the ROV’s (remotely operated vehicles) doing the obstacle course in the pool at the University of Maryland.

During the competition the team Narwhal showed grit and determination to complete seven of the possible nine tasks in the mission course and raced through the obstacle course.

The lane judge said “they should be very proud of their results and the team should be proud of their calmness under pressure.”

Caitlin Pilcher and Thorben Therkleson

The final results are in for the International SeaPerch competition and our Tasman/Nelson tamariki team did amazing!

Waimea College Team Narwhal competed against 60 other high school teams from America and around the world. With just weeks to prepare, they placed in the top 10 in 2 out of the 4 categories.

These are their final results:

28th in Engineering Design

5th in Team Video

9th in underwater Mission course

34th in underwater Obstacle course

Caitlin Pilcher and Thorben Therkleson practicing before the competition in Washington DC.

This truly has been a pivotal learning moment for these young adults, representing Aotearoa on the world stage.

Caitlin Pilcher and Thorben Therkleson checking out the  competitors at the event.

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Now they are up the road from Washington taking in a wonderful experience of being in New York City before flying home.

A diver retrieving an ROV that has broken down

If you would like to know more information about SeaPerch Google robonation.org