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ONR to Promote STEM Initiatives with SeaPerch During Detroit Navy Week

For Immediate Release: Jul 18, 2011
By the Office of Naval Research

ARLINGTON, Va.—The Office of Naval Research (ONR) will highlight the importance of science and mathematics education at the Detroit Science Center during the city’s Navy Week, scheduled July 18-24.

ONR, the Navy’s science and technology provider, will display a mini version of its SeaPerch underwater robotics program, which teaches middle and high school students about buoyancy, propulsion, electricity, circuits and switches. The ONR-funded program has been used to demonstrate the basics of engineering and science concepts with a marine engineering focus.

Attendees who visit ONR’s booth from July 21-23 at the science center will learn how to build a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) from a kit comprising low-cost, easily accessible parts. In addition, information on the SeaPerch program and material supporting the Department of the Navy’s efforts to promote science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) careers will be distributed.

Aimed at growing and sustaining the current naval STEM workforce, the Department of the Navy continues to make significant investments in STEM education and outreach. Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus has pledged to double funding for the U.S. naval STEM program over the next five years. The move will increase the Navy’s total dollars committed to STEM education initiatives to more than $100 million by 2015, from $54 million in 2010.

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About the Office of Naval Research

The Department of the Navy’s Office of Naval Research provides the science and technology necessary to maintain the Navy and Marine Corps’ technological advantage. Through its affiliates, ONR is a leader in science and technology with engagement in 50 states, 55 countries, 634 institutions of higher learning and nonprofit institutions, and more than 960 industry partners. ONR, through its commands, including headquarters, ONR Global and the Naval Research Laboratory in Washington, D.C., employs more than 3,800 people, comprising uniformed, civilian and contract personnel.