On April 3, teams from 13 senior schools across Scotland will gather at The Robert Gordon University’s sports facility to determine who goes forward to the next level of the hugely successful ROV MATE Competition.
Alford Academy, Alness Academy, Banff Academy, Bannockburn High School, Stirling, Bridge of Don Academy, Bucksburn Academy, Craigmount High School, Edinburgh, Inverurie Academy, Mackie Academy, Menzieshill High School, Dundee, Mintlaw Academy, Peterhead Academy and Robert Gordon College.
The theme of the 2014 contest is “Exploring the Great Lakes”. It focuses on exploring shipwrecks, sinkholes and conservation in the Great Lakes.
As with prior contests, there are regional events and then a grand final. This time there are 22 regional contests due to take place across the US and in Canada, plus Hong Kong, Scotland, Japan, and Egypt.
Student teams are from upper elementary schools, middle schools, high schools, home schools, community colleges, universities, and community organisations.
The competition consists of four different classes that vary depending on the sophistication of the ROVs and the mission requirements.
The MATE competition requires students to think of themselves as entrepreneurs and transform their teams into companies that manufacture, market, and “sell” their ROV or the services their business provides.
This is something any Scottish team with oil and gas industry parents involved should be excellent at.
In addition to engineering their ROVs, the students are required to prepare technical reports, poster displays, and engineering presentations that are delivered to working professionals who serve as competition judges.
By connecting students with employers and professionals from the workplace, the competitions also expose students to ocean-related career opportunities and help them to see the pathways to those careers.
The 2014 MATE International ROV final will take place June 26-28 at the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary in Alpena, Michigan.
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