The SeaJelly Project, initiated by NAVSEA (NSWC Carderock), is an innovative and engaging STEM initiative aimed at providing students with hands-on experience in robotics and engineering. This project allows students to build their own free-swimming biomimetic platform, known as a SeaJelly, using open-source CAD and PCB designs, Arduino code, and comprehensive build instructions. The SeaJelly Project is designed to enhance students' understanding of engineering concepts and robotics through a practical and interactive approach.

The SeaJelly Project offers numerous benefits for student as they gain valuable skills in programming, electronics, and mechanical design. Students are tasked with modifying and improving their SeaJelly designs through creativity and problem solving.  This initiative not only provides for an exciting and challenging educational experience but also helps prepare students for future careers in STEM fields by giving them practical experience with real-world applications.

The Flight Computer project is an integrative STEM project providing students an opportunity to build a working flight computer.  Using the COSC Space Minor Challenge curriculum material, students received a first hand look inside the workings of a flight computer.  

Students built the flight computers via various electronic components, sensors, circuit boards, and an Arduino microcontroller.  Not only did students build and solder the flight computer, they were responsible for coding its operation.

The student flight computers were to be placed into a styrofoam pod and sent into near space via High Altitude Balloon (HAB).  The flight computers provide important data such as air pressure, temperature, humidity and acceleration.

Due to scheduling challenges, flight computers built during SY 2023-2024 will undergo testing in the upcoming Raider IV mission currently scheduled for October 2024.

The Dual Axis Solar Tracker project was a cross-disciplinary project involving both the Green Technology and Robotics classes.  Together they would develop a fully functioning solar tracker capable of tracking the sun throughout the day and capturing the energy into a 12 volt battery.

The robotics students were tasked to design a strong enough structure to stabilize four large solar panels.  The array of solar panels operated on both the X and Y axis.  Integration of various gearing options were tested and evaluated for stability and mobility.

Green Technology students were tasked to program an Arduino to move the stepper motors according to the strength of the sun.  Photoresistors were used to measure LUX values for motor input.  Students built a mock-up to help mimic final prototype to which Arduino programming could be tested.

Both classes worked together to integrate the suite of electronics into the mechanical chasis.  Students coordinated their efforts through the use of project management software.  The final prototypes were proudly displayed at the AFCEA Raspberry Pi awards ceremony.