John Gray students win robotics competition

(CNS Local Life): A team of 11-year-old John Gray High School students took first place at the 2017 Cayman Islands SeaPerch Challenge underwater robotics competition. The Aqua Lasers – Diamond White, Davonte Howell, Alvan Boxwell and Caleb Feare – earned an all-expenses paid trip to Atlanta, Georgia where they will represent the Cayman Islands at the International SeaPerch Challenge from 19-20 May.

SeaPerch is a hands-on integration of science, technology, engineering and mathematic concepts with applications both inside and outside the classroom. Students are required to prepare and present an engineering journal where they log their activities during their Remote Operated Vehicles’ (ROVs) design and construction.

More than 60 high school students from across the Cayman Islands took part in this year’s challenge, held Saturday, 11 March at the Camana Bay Sports Complex pool. This marks the second win for John Gray, who were the defending champions under the guidance of electrical technology teacher Desmond White.

The Aqua Razors, John Gray’s senior team, placed second overall followed by the Brac Seabots of Layman E. Scott High School, who took third and fourth place.

There were also teams from Clifton Hunter High School (CHHS), St Ignatius Catholic High School, Cayman Prep and High School, Cayman International School and the University College of the Cayman Islands.

Dylan Boxwell of Cayman Prep echoed the feelings of other students when he pointed to the teamwork his group developed. “I’ve learned that teamwork is important and our team definitely learned to work together better throughout the programme,” he said.

CHHS teacher Christopher Harris said of the initiative: “During the programme, students encountered certain obstacles and had to collectively find a solution. SeaPerch allows them to engage in research and activities that enhance what the standard curriculum offers.”

Tags: Robotics, SeaPerch Challenge

Category: High School, Technology