An MTS student chapter hosting a high school ROV competition: a model for technology education

The University of Rhode Island´s (URI) student chapter of the Marine Technology Society (MTS) annually hosts the Marine Advanced Technology and Education Center´s (MATE) New England Regional High School ROV Competition. The competition represents a mutually beneficial relationship between the University and regional high schools that are geared towards technology education. High school students interested in marine sciences and technology are exposed to the University, and MTS student chapter members benefit from involvement with other academic institutions and the marine technology industry. In addition, the high school teachers who act as mentors for their student teams enrich their curriculum with a higher standard of technology education. The MTS student chapter administrates the competition from start to finish. Student members provide advice and support for the high school teams prior to competition day, purchase and construct underwater mission mock-ups, and raise funds to support the chapter and the competition. Major support for the competition comes from MATE, the MTS New England Section, and URI´s Department of Ocean Engineering.